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{{Short description|2006 video game}}
{{cleanup|December 2006}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox CVG
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2015}}
|image=]
{{Infobox video game
|developer=]
| title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
|publisher=]
| image = The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Game Cover.jpg
|designer=] (director)<br />] (producer)<br/>] (character design)
| alt = The game's title is in the center-top. A line runs diagonally through the image; in one section, the series' main protagonist—Link's face is shown. In the other, there is the head of Link's wolf form.
|engine=Heavily modified version of the '']'' engine.<ref name="TWW engine">{{cite web |date=2004-05-12 |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/513/513962p1.html |title=E3 2004: New Legend of Zelda Details |publisher=IGN Cube |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
| caption =
|version=
| developer = ]{{efn|] developed the Nvidia Shield version.|lead=yes}}
|released='''Wii'''<br />{{flagicon|USA}} ], ]<br />{{flagicon|Japan}} ], ] <br />{{flagicon|Australia}} ], ] <br />{{flagicon|Europe}} ], ] <br />'''GameCube'''<br />{{flagicon|Japan}} ], ]<br />{{flagicon|USA}} ], ]<br />{{flagicon|Australia}} ], ]<br/>{{flagicon|Europe}} ], ]
| publisher = ]
|genre=]
|modes=] | director = ]
| producer = ]
|ratings=]: Teen<br />]: B(12+) <ref>{{cite web | url=http://wii.com/jp/articles/zelda/index.html | title=Zelda rating | publisher=Nintendo | accessdate=2006-11-24}}</ref><br />]: 12+ <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.toysnjoys.it/?load=prod&id=3923 | publisher=Toys N Joys | title=Zelda rating PEGI | accessdate=2006-11-24}}</ref> <br />]: M<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.oflc.gov.au/special.html?n=46&p=156&record=216955 | title=THE LEGEND OF ZELDA - TWILIGHT PRINCESS Game (Multi Platform) | publisher=Office of Film And Literature Classification | accessdate=2006-12-03}}</ref>
| artist = {{Plainlist|
|platforms=], ]
* Yusuke Nakano
|media= 1 × ]<br />1 × ]
* Satoru Takizawa
|requirements=
}}
|input=], ] ]}}
| writer = {{Plainlist|
{{nihongo|'''''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'''''|ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス|Zeruda no Densetsu Towairaito Purinsesu}} is the latest ] in ]’s ], for the ] and ]. Originally planned for release in ], Nintendo delayed it so that the developers could add more content and fine-tune the game.<ref name="delay">{{cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |authorlink=Matt Casamassina |date=2005-08-16 |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/642/642238p1.html |title=Zelda Delayed to Next Year |curly=1 |work=IGN Cube |publisher=]|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> The Wii versions were released on the console's launch dates, in ] and ] ], making ''Twilight Princess'' the first ''Zelda'' game to debut alongside the launch of a Nintendo console. The GameCube version was released in ] ]<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Nintendo|title=Nintendo official Zelda Page|url=http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=fce85fe2-688f-4276-a3c2-84e0f270ab8b&}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328 | title=GamePro Q&A: Nintendo's Harrison on Zelda | publisher=Gamepro | accessdate=2006-12-03}}</ref>.
* ]
* Takayuki Ikkaku
* Mitsuhiro Takano<ref name="story1"/>
* Eiji Aonuma<ref name="storybase"/>
}}
| composer = {{Plainlist|
* ]
* Asuka Ota
}}
| series = '']''
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|]|]|]<ref>Lawler, Richard. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205181125/https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/05/nintendo-wii-gamecube-nvidia-shield-china/ |date=December 5, 2017}}.Engadget.2017-12-05..</ref>}}
| released = '''Wii'''{{Video game release|NA|November 19, 2006|JP|December 2, 2006|AU|December 7, 2006|EU|December 8, 2006}} '''GameCube'''{{Video game release|JP|December 2, 2006|NA|December 11, 2006|EU|December 15, 2006|AU|December 19, 2006}}
| genre = ]
| modes = ]
}}


{{nihongo foot|'''''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'''''|ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス|Zeruda no Densetsu: Towairaito Purinsesu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2006 ] developed and published by ] for the ] and ].<!--DO NOT CHANGE. Ordered alphabetically.--> Originally planned for release exclusively on the GameCube in November 2005, ''Twilight Princess'' was delayed by Nintendo to allow its developers to refine the game, add more content, and ] it to the Wii.<ref>{{cite web|first=Matt |last=Casamassina |date=August 16, 2005 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/16/zelda-delayed-to-next-year |title=Zelda Delayed to Next Year |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=November 13, 2021|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060512023123/http://cube.ign.com/articles/642/642238p1.html |archive-date=May 12, 2006}}</ref> The Wii version was a ] in North America in November 2006, and in Japan, Europe, and Australia the following month. The GameCube version was released in December 2006 as the final first-party game for the console.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328|title=GamePro Q&A: Nintendo's Harrison on Zelda|magazine=]|publisher=]|date=November 5, 2006|access-date=December 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061126140729/http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328|archive-date=November 26, 2006}}</ref><ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Eiji Aonuma's GDC 2007 Presentation}}</ref>
], the ] of the game, initially an assistant in a farm-like village, travels to ], the game's setting. He encounters a number of enemies, and with the help of the creature Midna, fights the twilight spreading across Hyrule.


The story focuses on series protagonist ], who tries to prevent ] from being engulfed by a corrupted ] known as the Twilight Realm. To do so, he takes the form of both a ] and a wolf, and he is assisted by a mysterious ] named ]. The game takes place over a century after '']'' and '']'', in an ] from '']''.<ref name="nindori">{{cite web |url=http://www.nindori.com/interview/154zelda/154int_02.html |title=Long interview with Eiji Aonuma |work=] |language=ja |date=February 2007 |access-date=February 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202030221/http://www.nindori.com/interview/154zelda/154int_02.html |archive-date=February 2, 2007}}</ref>
''Twilight Princess'' is the first game in ''The Legend of Zelda'' series to be rated ] by the ], for animated blood and fantasy violence.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://us.wii.com/soft_loz_tp.jsp | title=Official North American Wii website | publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>


''Twilight Princess'' was critically acclaimed upon its release, received numerous ] awards, and has been called ]. By 2015, it had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling ''Zelda'' game until being overtaken by '']'' in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|title=Switch sales stand at over 17M units, Breath of the Wild now best-selling Zelda title|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|date=April 26, 2018|website=VG247|access-date=27 April 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428141737/https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, the Wii version was rereleased under the ] label. A high-definition ] based on the GameCube version, ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD'', developed by ], was released for the ] in March 2016.<ref name="HD announcement">{{cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |url=http://ign.com/articles/2015/11/12/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-announced-for-wii-u |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Announced for Wii U |work=] |publisher=] |date=November 12, 2015 |access-date=November 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115000338/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/12/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-announced-for-wii-u |archive-date=November 15, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Plot==
{{spoilers}}
About 100 years<ref>Aonuma, Eiji (January, 2007). “Reflections on Zelda”. '']'' #211: p. 59.</ref> after the events of '']'', the game begins with ] living in Ordon Village, working as a ranch hand. He is asked by Rusl, the village's blacksmith, to deliver the Ordon Sword to ]. Before he can begin his journey, Link, the mayor's daughter ], and Rusl's son, ] are ambushed by a group of monsters. Ilia and Colin are kidnapped, and Link is knocked unconscious. Upon awakening, he pursues them, only to be pulled into the Twilight Realm, transformed into a wolf, and imprisoned in a castle. An imp-like creature named ] helps him escape from his cell, and the two join forces.

Link and Midna travel through the castle until they meet another one of its prisoners - ] herself. She explains that a member of a race known as the Twili is trying to merge the Twilight Realm and ] to fuse them into one land of darkness. In order to defeat the king who rules over twilight, Midna is searching for a forbidden weapon called the Fused Shadow that she can use to defeat the evil king and save the Twilight Realm. Midna herself cares nothing for the fate of Hyrule, focusing on her personal vendetta against the Twilight King.

During the quest to assemble this weapon, it is discovered that the Twili are a race of beings who were banished to the Twilight Realm by the gods of Hyrule. The Twili were interlopers with great magic who went to the holy ] in order to establish dominion over it, causing a war to break out in Hyrule. After these sorcerers became too powerful, the goddesses sent three light spirits to seal away the beings' magic, and sealed the beings themselves away into another realm known as the Twilight Realm. The Twili who are left are the descendants of the original beings who were banished. The goddesses created the Mirror of Twilight, a device to banish beings into the Twilight Realm (though it can also be used to enter the realm normally).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4327923186453067792&hl=en | title=Twilight Realm video clip | publisher=Google | accessdate=2006-11-24}}</ref>
After many trials, Link and Midna re-assemble the Fused Shadow. However, the king of the twilight, Zant, appears, takes the Fused Shadows, and curses Link by embedding a stone into his forehead causing him to be trapped in his wolf form, and fatally injures Midna. Zant leaves, and Link rushes Midna back to Hyrule Castle to seek aid from Princess Zelda. At Hyrule Castle, ] reveals that the only way Link can return back to his normal form is to find the Master Sword. Midna's life is fading away, and Zelda sacrifices herself to save Midna by turning herself into light and putting herself in Midna, this allows Midna to be her normal self in the world of light, not just a shadow, Midna and Link then venture deep into the Sacred Grove, and obtain the Master Sword. He also gains the ability to transform between wolf and human form through use of the stone that cursed him and the Master Sword.

Midna explains that the only way to save Hyrule and stop Zant now is to find the Mirror of Twilight and use it to confront Zant with the Master Sword. However, when Link and Midna reach the Mirror, Zant had already broken it into four fragments. Only one fragment of the Mirror of Twilight is present. The ancient Sages who guard the Mirror appear, and reveal that an evil man named ] was sealed into the Twilight Realm after he was captured by the Sages. The Sages reveal that only the true ruler of the Twili could destroy the Mirror of Twilight, and that Zant could only fragment it.

With the help of a group of Hylians intent on establishing peace: Shad, Ashei, Auru, and Rusl, Ordon's blacksmith, Link ventures back in time to the Temple of Time, still intact, the City in the Sky with the Sky Cannon, and the Snowpeak Ruins, where the shards were sealed away. With the Twilight Mirror restored, Link and Midna confront Zant in the Palace of Twilight in the Twilight Realm and finally learn that Zant was actually in line to become the true Twilight King, but was passed over. When Zant was passed over in the choice for ruler, he went into a crazed rage, and was approached by the spirit of Ganondorf, who selected him to be a vessel for his power and help him regain his previous power (and unknown to Zant, be his puppet). It is revealed that Midna is the true Twilight Princess, and was overthrown by Zant and turned into an imp using Ganondorf's power.
Link defeats Zant, who claims that he will be revived as long as Ganondorf lives. Midna ''kills'' him using the regained Fused Shadows, which hold more power than she realised.

Link leaves and returns to Hyrule to save Zelda. The castle is engulfed by a barrier erected using Ganondorf's power, and Midna uses the Fused Shadow to break it. Link and Midna infiltrate Hyrule Castle and reach the top throne room to find Ganondorf sitting at the throne, and Zelda's lifeless body suspended above him. Ganondorf possesses Princess Zelda's body, and fights Link. Link wins the battle, and Midna then uses the Fused Shadow to purge Zelda of Ganondorf. He then turns into a beast-like form and attacks Link. Link defeats him, and Midna returns Zelda's soul to her body. Before the three of them can celebrate, Ganon's soul appears. Midna warps Link and Zelda to safety in Hyrule Field, and then tries to destroy Ganon using the Fused Shadow.

As Link and Zelda appear in Hyrule Field, they turn to Hyrule Castle and see a giant explosion eminating from it. They then see Ganondorf on horseback, holding Midna's helmet &mdash; he has defeated her. Princess Zelda uses her magic power to summon the Light Spirits. The spirits bestow upon her the Light Arrows, and then Link and Zelda re-appear in Hyrule Field on Epona and battle Ganondorf. Ganondorf falls from his horse in battle, but rises one last time to challenge Link to a one-on-one sword duel. In the end, Link defeats Ganondorf with the Master Sword. As Ganondorf stands impaled, the Triforce symbol fades from his hand. A vision of Zant briefly appears on screen, in which his neck suddenly snaps. <!-- PLEASE stop saying that Zant snaps his own neck, and that it 'kills' Ganondorf. There is no evidence that supports this. See the talk page for discussion on this subject. --> Before his death, Ganondorf says, ''"Don't think this ends here...The history of light and shadow will be written in blood!"''
Now that the threat of Ganon has ended, Hyrule and the Twilight Realm are saved. Additionally, the curse that Zant put on Midna using Ganon's power has been lifted, and Midna regains her true form. After Link and Zelda are reunited with her, they travel to the Mirror of Twilight, to see Midna off before she returns home. Before Midna warps away, she shatters the Mirror of Twilight with a tear, sealing off the link between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm. The children of Ordon are shown returning to their families, and Fado and Ilia are shown near Link's house. At the end, Link is shown riding away from Ordon after returning the Master Sword to the Sacred Grove. <!-- The location Link is shown riding in the credits is actually in the game, and he is heading away from Ordon, not towards it. --> The final image is of the statue of the Triforce and the Goddesses above the throne room in Hyrule Castle, now restored.
{{endspoiler}}


==Gameplay== ==Gameplay==
{{See also|The Legend of Zelda#Gameplay}}
''Twilight Princess'' features a stylized, naturalistic art style (similar to, but more advanced than, that found in '']''), rather than the cel-shaded look that '']'' exhibited &mdash; although it still makes use of ] effects, using a very heavily modified version of ''The Wind Waker''’s engine.<ref name="TWW engine"/> In a further departure from ''The Wind Waker'', ] is once again a young man, as opposed to a child, as in the latter part of ''Ocarina of Time'' and in '']''. The game also takes on a darker tone, rivaling that of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bryne, Snorre|title=Spill kan bli viktigere enn film og TV|language=no|date=2006-06-22|accessdate=2006-09-20|publisher=dagbladet.no|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2006/06/22/469557.html}}</ref>
] is targeting as he prepares to swing his sword (] version).|alt=A boy in a green tunic holds a shield while swinging his sword towards an enemy.]]
''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' is an ] focused on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. It uses the basic control scheme introduced in '']'', including context-sensitive action buttons and L-targeting (Z-targeting on the ]),<ref name="nwrgc review">{{cite web|title=GC Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12702 |work=Nintendo World Report |first=Aaron |last=Kaluszka |date=January 11, 2007 |access-date=January 23, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228004448/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12702 |archive-date=February 28, 2009}}</ref> a system that allows the player to keep ]'s view focused on an enemy or important object while moving and attacking. Link can walk, run, and attack, and he will automatically jump when running off of or reaching for a ledge.<ref name="Booklet 20" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=20}}</ref> Link uses a sword and shield in combat, complemented with secondary weapons and items, including a bow and arrows, a boomerang, and bombs.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|pp=22–23}}</ref> While L-targeting, projectile-based weapons can be fired at a target without the need for manual aiming.<ref name="Booklet 20" group="lower-alpha"/>


The context-sensitive button mechanic allows one button to serve a variety of functions, such as talking, opening doors, and pushing, pulling, and throwing objects.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=22}}</ref> The on-screen display shows what action, if any, the button will trigger, determined by the situation. For example, if Link is holding a rock, the context-sensitive button will cause Link to throw the rock if he is moving or targeting an object or enemy or place the rock on the ground if he is standing still.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=12}}</ref>
Link transforms into a wolf when entering the Twilight Realm, a void that has ensnared ]. This is not a wholly separate place like the Dark World in '']'', but a festering malignancy across Hyrule.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.nintendo.com/games_zelda.html|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|curly=1|publisher=Nintendo of America|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>


The ] and Wii versions feature several minor differences in their controls and gameplay. The Wii version of the game makes use of the motion sensors and built-in speaker of the ]. The speaker emits the sounds of a bowstring when shooting an arrow, ]'s laugh when she gives advice to Link, and the series' trademark "chime" when discovering secrets. The player controls Link's sword by swinging the Wii Remote. Other attacks are triggered using similar gestures with the ]. In the GameCube version, players can control the camera freely, without entering a special "lookaround" mode required on the Wii; however, in the GameCube version, only two of Link's secondary weapons can be equipped at a time, as opposed to four in the Wii version.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=168}}</ref>
The Wii version uses the "point-and-click" of the Wii Remote as a "fairy" cursor, for accessing menus, and for using various tools such as the Hero's Bow, Clawshot, and Fishing Rod; it uses the Nunchuk attachment analog stick for movement. In order to swing the sword, the player makes a slashing motion with the Wii Remote. A jab with the tilt-sensitive Nunchuk will cause Link to perform one of his secret moves, the shield attack. To use Link’s “spin attack”, the player swings the Nunchuk horizontally. It is worth noting that the Wii version of Twilight Princess is unique in that Link is right-handed, due to the fact that the Wii nunchuck is held in the right hand.


The game features nine dungeons—large, contained areas where Link battles enemies, collects items, and solves puzzles. Link navigates these dungeons and fights a ] at the end in order to obtain an item or otherwise advance the plot. The dungeons are connected by a large ], across which Link can travel on foot; on his horse, ]; or by teleporting with Midna's assistance.<ref name="ign wii review"/>
In order to use items, the game allows the player to equip the items to the left, right, and down positions of the D-pad using the item screen (-). When an item's respective direction button is hit, the item is switched into the B button for easier use. The built-in speaker on the remote is used for sounds like the bowstring being drawn and released, as well as the classic “''Zelda'' chime”.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schneider|first=Peer|date=2006-05-10|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/707/707152p1.html|title=E3 2006: Twilight Princess In-Depth|curly=1|pages=3|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>


When Link enters the Twilight Realm, the void that corrupts parts of ], he transforms into a wolf.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=35}}</ref> He is eventually able to transform between his ] and wolf forms at will. As a wolf, Link loses the ability to use his sword, shield, or any secondary items; he instead attacks by biting and defends primarily by dodging attacks. "Wolf Link" gains several key advantages in return—he moves faster than he does on foot as a human, digs holes to create new passages, and uncover buried items, and has improved senses, including the ability to follow scent trails.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|pp=17–20}}</ref> On his back, he also carries Midna, a small imp-like creature who gives him hints, uses an energy field to attack enemies, helps him jump long distances, and eventually allows him to "warp" to any of several preset locations throughout the overworld.<ref name="page 21" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=21}}</ref> Using Link's wolf senses, the player can see and listen to the wandering spirits of those affected by the Twilight, as well as hunt for enemy ghosts named ]s.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=153}}</ref>
By comparison, the GameCube version uses a control scheme similar to '']'', with the B button used for sword attacks, other items mapped to the X, and Y (but not Z like in Wind Waker, which is now always assigned to Midna interaction), the L button for lock-on, and the C-stick used for manual camera control.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ricciardi|first=John|date=2006-12-05|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155665|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess GameCube Preview|pages=1|publisher=1Up|accessdate=2006-12-08}}</ref>


The ] (AI) of enemies in ''Twilight Princess'' is more advanced than that of enemies in '']''. Enemies react to defeated companions and to arrows or slingshot pellets that pass by, and they can detect Link from a greater distance than was possible in previous games.<ref>{{Cite magazine |magazine=] |publisher=] |date=March 2006 |volume=201 |title=Inside Zelda part 10: The Monsters in his Head |pages=46–48 |url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside10.jsp |access-date=September 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913210332/http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside10.jsp |archive-date=September 13, 2008}}</ref>
In ''Twilight Princess'', Link learns more moves than in any other ''Legend of Zelda'' game to date. Link also shares similar moves between human and wolf, for example when an enemy is on the ground, Link has the option to finish them off by plunging his sword into their chest or in wolf form (on ], to rip out their souls). Link can communicate with animals in wolf form as if they were people. When transformed into a wolf, Link’s sense of smell is greatly improved. With these abilities come some disadvantages. While he is a wolf, Link cannot utilize any of his items, or open any doors with handles until he can transform into human.


==Plot==
There is no extensive voice acting in the game. The characters laugh, scream, and make other such noises, as they have in previous installments on the ] and Nintendo GameCube.
{{Further|The Legend of Zelda#Fictional chronology|label1=Fictional chronology of ''The Legend of Zelda''}}
The game begins with a teenage boy named Link, who works as a ranch hand in Ordon Village. One day, ] take away the village's children. Link pursues and encounters a wall of Twilight. A Twilight monster pulls him beyond the wall into the Twilight-shrouded forest, where he is transformed into a ] and imprisoned. Link is soon freed by a creature named Midna, who offers to help him if he obeys her unconditionally. She guides him to ], who explains that ], the Sorcerer/Usurper King of the Twili, invaded ] and forced her to surrender. The kingdom became enveloped in Twilight, turning all its inhabitants besides Link and Zelda into invisible spirits.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Midna''': Poor thing, he has no idea where this is or what's happened... So, don't you think you should explain to him what you've managed to do? You owe him that much... ...Twilight Princess! Eee hee! / '''Zelda''': Listen carefully... This was once the land where the power of the gods was said to slumber. This was once the kingdom of Hyrule. But that blessed kingdom has been transformed by the king that rules the twilight... It has been turned into a world of shadows, ruled by creatures who shun the light. Twilight covered Hyrule like a shroud, and without light, the people became as spirits. Within the twilight, they live on, unaware that they have passed into spirit forms... All the people know now is fear... Fear of a nameless evil... The kingdom succumbed to twilight, but I remain its princess... I am Zelda.}}</ref> To save Hyrule, Link, aided by Midna, must first revive the ] by entering the Twilight-covered regions and recovering the Spirits' light from the Twilight beings that had stolen it. Once revitalized, each Spirit returns Link to his Hylian form and informs Link and Midna of the hidden location of a Fused Shadow; one of the fragments of a powerful relic that will have to be used to match Zant's power to defeat him. During this time, the ghost of a ] (the same incarnation of Link from ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Majora's Mask''), the Hero's Shade, also appears to provide swordsmanship training he had failed to pass on before his untimely death, as well as information regarding Link's destiny in Hyrule.


During his journey, Link also finds Ordon Village's children and assists the monkeys of Faron, the ] of Eldin, and the ] of Lanayru. After restoring the Light Spirits and obtaining the Fused Shadows, Link and Midna are ambushed by Zant, who takes away the fragments. Midna calls him out for abusing his tribe's magic, but Zant reveals that his power comes from another source, and he uses it to trap Link in his wolf state. Failing to persuade Midna into joining forces with him, Zant attempts to dispose of her by exposing her to the light of Lanayru's light spirit. Bringing a dying Midna to Zelda, Link learns from her that he needs the ] to remove Zant's curse and she proceeds to sacrifice herself to heal Midna, vanishing mysteriously. Moved by Zelda's act of selflessness, Midna starts to care more about Link and the fate of his world.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Midna''': Princess... I have one last request... Can you tell him...where to find the Mirror of Twilight? / '''Zelda''': Midna... I believe I understand now just who and what you are... Despite your mortal injuries, you act in our stead... These dark times are the result of our deeds, yet it is you who have reaped the penalty. Accept this now, Midna. I pass it to you... / '''Midna''': No! Link! STOP HER! We go back, Link! Back to the Faron Woods! Zelda...I've taken all that you had to give...though I did not want it.}}</ref>
==Weapons, items and abilities==
{{see |Weapons and items from The Legend of Zelda series}}
{{spoilers}}


After gaining the Master Sword, Link is cleansed of the curse that kept him in wolf form. Deep within the Gerudo Desert, Link and Midna search for the Mirror of Twilight, the only known gateway between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm, but discover that it is broken.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Midna''': Hey, but listen, Link... I've got a little favor to ask... Would you mind coming with me to find something called the Mirror of Twilight? It's hidden somewhere in Hyrule... Yes, the Mirror of Twilight... Our last potential link to Zant!}}</ref> The ] there explain that Zant tried to destroy it, but only managed to shatter it into fragments; only the true ruler of the ] can completely destroy the mirror.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Sages''': Only the true leader of the Twili can utterly destroy the Mirror of Twilight...so Zant could merely break it into pieces.}}</ref> They also relate that they once used it to banish ]dorf, the ] leader who attempted to steal the ], to the Twilight Realm after failing to execute him. Link and Midna set out to retrieve the missing shards of the mirror. Once it has been fully restored, the Sages reveal to Link that Midna is actually the true ruler of the Twili, usurped and cursed into her current form by Zant.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Sages''': I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive our carelessness... O Twilight Princess.}}</ref> Confronting Zant, Link and Midna learn that he forged a pact with Ganondorf, who asked for his assistance in subjugating Hyrule. After Link defeats Zant, Midna recovers the Fused Shadows and kills Zant after learning that only Ganondorf's defeat can release her from her curse.
====Basic quest items====
Link first acquires a wooden sword, but later upgrades to the Ordon Sword (a regular metal sword) and then the Master Sword. In the Palace of Twilight, the Master Sword is further upgraded. Link obtains a wooden shield early (Ordon Shield). This can catch fire (similar to the Deku Shield in '']''). The shield can be replaced with the Wooden Shield, or the metal Hylian Shield, which does not catch fire


Returning to Hyrule, Link and Midna find Ganondorf in Hyrule Castle, with a lifeless Zelda suspended above him. Ganondorf fights Link by possessing Zelda and then transforming into a gigantic boar-like beast, but Link defeats him by using his wolf form, and the power Midna received from Zelda is able to resuscitate her. Ganondorf revives, and Midna teleports Link and Zelda outside the castle so she can hold him off with the Fused Shadows. However, as Hyrule Castle collapses, Ganondorf emerges from it victorious, crushing the Fused Shadow piece that Midna wore on her head, and pursues Link on horseback. Assisted by Zelda and the Light Spirits, Link eventually knocks Ganondorf off his horse and duels him on foot before finishing him off with the Master Sword. With Ganondorf dead, the Light Spirits revive Midna and restore her to her true form. After bidding farewell to Link and Zelda, Midna returns home and destroys the Mirror of Twilight, ultimately severing the link between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Midna''': Thank you... Well, the princess spoke truly: as long as that mirror's around, we could meet again... Link... I... See you later...}}</ref> As Hyrule Castle is rebuilt, Link leaves Ordon Village, heading to parts unknown.
====Dungeon weapons and usable items====
The Slingshot also returns from previous installments of the series. Link obtains this item early on in the game before entering any dungeons. A Lantern is also in the game, for the first time on a home console game since '']'' where it originated. The game features many classic ''Zelda'' armaments, some with new twists, such as the Gale Boomerang which can create a small whirlwind capable of picking up items. The Iron Boots also return, which can now be used in conjunction with magnetic surfaces to attach Link to the ceiling. Link has three types of bombs available: Standard Bombs, Water Bombs (bombs that can be used under water), and Bomblings (bomb with legs). Link can combine items such as the bombs and arrows to create bomb arrows, among other items. ''Twilight Princess'' also introduces a new version of the Hookshot called the Clawshot. This item functions similarly to the Hookshot, except that Link can hang from the claw, and when hanging from a ceiling he can extend or retract the chain to move up or down. This is later upgraded to two Clawshots enabling movement without touching the ground in certain areas by firing one whilst remaining aloft with the other. The Dominion Rod is used to bring some statues to life. The Spinner (a new item) is a large top-like object which Link uses to move over quicksand and attack enemies. It is also used to ride along tracks in Arbiter Grounds and other locations. Another new item is the Ball and Chain, a heavy ball at the end of a chain which is used swinging to hit enemies and break through weak walls. The Hawkeye is a new addition in the series, which is purchased at the Malo Mart after the archery test in Kakariko is completed. It acts like the telescope from ''Wind Waker'', but is a mask of a hawk head. It can be combined with the bow, which acts like a sniper rifle. Finally Ooccoo is a character present in most dungeons. When discovered, she behaves as a warp item, much like Farore's Wind in ''Ocarina of Time''. She will let Link set a warp point inside a dungeon, and return to it later on.


==Development==
====Collectables====
===Inception as a GameCube game===
There are four different sets of clothing in the game: The farm outfit he starts in; the green "Hero" tunic; the Zora Armor with flippers and diving mask that allows him to breathe and swim freely underwater, yet increases the damage taken from fire and ice hazards; and the Magic Armor, which makes Link temporarily invincible (at the cost of rupees). Classic items such as Potions and Bottles also return.
], the director of ''Twilight Princess'', at the 2007 ]]]
In 2003, ] announced a new ''The Legend of Zelda'' game for the GameCube<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/07/new-gcn-wario-ware-zelda |title=New GCN Wario Ware, Zelda |work=] |publisher=] |date=August 7, 2003 |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719235555/http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432645p1.html |archive-date=July 19, 2008}}</ref> by the same team that had created the ] ''The Wind Waker''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/20/interview-eiji-aonuma |title=Interview: Eiji Aonuma |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 19, 2004 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103080718/http://cube.ign.com/articles/517/517033p3.html |archive-date=January 3, 2009}}</ref> At the following year's ], director ] unintentionally revealed that the game's sequel was in development under the working title ''The Wind Waker 2'';<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/25/gdc-2004-wind-waker-2-official |title=GDC 2004: Wind Waker 2 Official |work=] |publisher=] |date=March 24, 2004 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002010058/http://cube.ign.com/articles/501/501735p1.html |archive-date=October 2, 2008}}</ref> it was set to use a similar graphical style to that of its predecessor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/07/fact-or-fiction-the-10-biggest-rumors-on-gamecube |title=Fact or Fiction: The 10 Biggest Rumors on GameCube |work=] |publisher=] |date=August 6, 2003 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103153804/http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432558p2.html |archive-date=January 3, 2009}}</ref> ] told Aonuma that North American sales of ''The Wind Waker'' were sluggish because its cartoon appearance created the impression that the game was designed for a young audience. Concerned that the sequel would have the same problem, Aonuma expressed to producer ] that he wanted to create a realistic ''Zelda'' game that would appeal to the North American market and meet Miyamoto's original vision of realism for the series.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/06/miyamoto-hated-wind-waker-art-style/|title= Miyamoto Apparently 'Cringed' When First Shown Wind Waker's Art Style|last= Innes|first= Ruby|date= June 27, 2022|website= ]|publisher= ]|access-date= September 4, 2022|quote= At some point he had to give a presentation against his will. That's when he said something like, 'You know, it's not too late to change course and make a realistic Zelda.'|archive-date= September 5, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220905051649/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/06/miyamoto-hated-wind-waker-art-style/|url-status= dead}}</ref> Miyamoto, hesitant about solely changing the game's presentation, suggested the team's focus should instead be on coming up with gameplay innovations. He advised that Aonuma should start by doing what could not be done in ''Ocarina of Time'', particularly horseback combat.<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13087" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=The fate of ''Wind Waker 2''}}</ref> Early development of what would become ''Twilight Princess'' began and special care was taken to improve the realism of the horseriding, with lead character designer Keisuke Nishimori riding a horse for himself to feel what it was like.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia|publisher=Dark Horse|year=2018|isbn=978-1-5067-0638-2|pages=279}}</ref>


Just as the ] game was inspired by ]'s ],<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=] |volume=1996 |issue=2 |title=Classic: Zelda und Link |trans-title= Classic: Zelda and Link |language=de |date=April 1996 |page=72 |publisher=] |quote=.}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|date=March 2003 |title=Shigeru Miyamoto Interview |journal=Super PLAY |publisher=Medströms Dataförlag AB |language=sv |issue=4/03 |url=http://www.miyamotoshrine.com/theman/interviews/230403.shtml |access-date=24 Sep 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907074051/http://www.miyamotoshrine.com/theman/interviews/230403.shtml |archive-date=September 7, 2006 |quote=All ideas for ''The Legend of Zelda'' were mine and Takashi Tezukas... ...Books, movies and our own lives.}}</ref> the aesthetic of ''Twilight Princess'' was inspired by the ] films, as they had just come out and were very popular at the time.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts |first1=Kazuya |last1=Sakai |first2=Patrick |last2=Thorpe |publisher=Dark Horse |isbn=978-1-5067-0335-0 |page= 419 |date=February 2017 |quote= '''Takizawa:''' And that was about the time we heard that people were wanting a realistic looking ''Zelda'' game again. Also at that time, there was an epic fantasy movie which was very popular. So after reexamining the situation, we said to ourselves, 'Let's do this thing!'}}</ref> The game was developed with having a large convincing world in mind, one with a vast scale to meet the expectation for fantasy worlds that audiences had become accustomed to with ''The Lord of the Rings''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/4 |title=Iwata Asks: Make it 120% Zelda! |publisher=Nintendo |last1=Iwata |first1=Satoru |last2=Aonuma |first2=Eiji |date=November 23, 2006 |quote='''Aonuma:''' It's undeniably big, but I believe all those fun elements which make up this world justify this size. Now that we have finished, I feel that with a generation accustomed to watching epic films like ''Lord of the Rings'', when you want to design a convincing world, that sort of vast scale becomes necessary. |access-date=February 23, 2021 |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517024727/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/4 |url-status=live}}</ref>
24 golden bugs roam around Hyrule. Catching these bugs and giving them to Agitha, a girl located in Castle Town, will give Link wallet upgrades, first to a capacity of 600 ], and then to 1000 after capturing all 24 bugs and returning them to her. There are twelve ] and twelve ] bugs, however the male and female ]s when looked at both say "it might actually be a male/female" on both genders as snails are ]s.


In four months, Aonuma's team managed to present realistic horseback riding,<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13087" group="lower-alpha"/> which Nintendo later revealed to the public with a trailer at ] that was met with enormous praise. The game was scheduled to be released the next year and was no longer a follow-up to ''The Wind Waker'';<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6097980.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327153510/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6097980.html |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |title=The Legend of Zelda details |work=] |publisher=] |first=Jeff |last=Gerstmann |author-link=Jeff Gerstmann |date=May 12, 2004 |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> a true sequel to it was released for the ] in 2007, in the form of '']''. Miyamoto explained in interviews that the graphical style was chosen to satisfy demand and that it better fit the theme of an older incarnation of Link.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/13/e3-2004-miyamoto-and-aonuma-on-zelda |title=E3 2004: Miyamoto and Aonuma on Zelda |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 12, 2004 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206075737/http://cube.ign.com/articles/514/514589p1.html |archive-date=December 6, 2008}}</ref> The game runs on a modified ''The Wind Waker'' ].<ref>{{cite web|date=May 12, 2004 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/12/e3-2004-new-legend-of-zelda-details |title=E3 2004: New Legend of Zelda Details |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925042309/http://cube.ign.com/articles/513/513962p1.html |archive-date=September 25, 2006}}</ref>
A ] now consists of five heart pieces instead of the traditional four.


Prior ''Zelda'' games have employed a theme of two separate, yet connected, worlds. In '']'', Link travels between a "Light World" and a "Dark World"; in ''Ocarina of Time'', as well as in '']'', Link travels between two different time periods. The ''Zelda'' team sought to reuse this motif in the series' latest installment. It was suggested that Link transform into a wolf, much like he metamorphoses into a rabbit in the Dark World of ''A Link to the Past''.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=A lupine direction and ''Minish Cap''}}</ref> The concept for Link to transform into a wolf and its surrounding narrative elements came from a dream that Aonuma had while overseas on a business trip. He dreamt that he was a wolf, locked inside a cage, and, after he woke up, he was confused and disoriented and it took awhile for him to remember where he was.<ref name=":0"/> The story of the game was created by Aonuma, and it later underwent several changes by scenario writers Mitsuhiro Takano and ].<ref name="story1">{{cite web|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/2 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: Like Trying to Mold Clay |date=November 2006 |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=] |access-date=April 6, 2015 |quote='''Mitsuhiro Takano:''' My name is Takano. I was basically in charge of the story scripting for ''Twilight Princess'', but I was also involved in the development of the cut-scenes and a few of the events in the game. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ |archive-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref><ref name="storybase">{{cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20070308/awards.htm |title=Game Developers Choice Awards、BEST GAMEは「Gears of War」|author=勝田哲也 |date=March 7, 2007 |work=GAME Watch |publisher=Impress Watch Corporation |access-date=June 27, 2010 |language=ja |quote='''Eiji Aonuma:''' 僕が書いたストーリーをものすごく良いものに変えてくれたシナリオ担当の高野充浩さんと京極あやさん / Those responsible for the scenario, Mr. Mitsuhiro Takano and Mrs. Aya Kyogoku, made some really great changes to the story I wrote |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108013645/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20070308/awards.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2011}}</ref> Takano created the script for the story scenes,<ref name="story1"/> while Kyogoku and Takayuki Ikkaku handled the actual in-game script.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/1 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: Ideas Born Out of Functionality |date=November 2006 |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=] |access-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ |archive-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref> Originally, Link was planned to be a wolf from the game's start to bluntly contrast the ''Ocarina of Time'' formula, but this was changed so that new players could be eased into the ''Zelda'' series' traditional gameplay and narrative formula. The narrative premise in the story regarding the children of Ordon village getting kidnapped was an example of the game featuring darker story elements than any past iteration.<ref name=":0"/>
====Abilities====
During the game Link gains a number of new sword techniques at various points. These techniques are learnt by first finding "howling stones" in different areas of ] whilst in wolf form and in the Twilight Realm, and howling a song (different for each stone). A golden wolf appears and tells Link to find him in certain places marked on the game map. Once at this marked point and in human form outside the Twilight Realm, the wolf can again be seen and ] is warped to an supernatural area which appears to be on top of clouds. Here the wolf transforms in to a skeleton dressed in Roman armour. The beast teaches Link up to seven new techniques by allowing Link to try them out on him. After the final technique is learnt, the skeletal being makes a claim to being a previous hero who could not pass on these techniques to anyone and that the sword manuvres can only be taught to those of his bloodline. It has been rumoured that the skeletal being is a previous Link, possibly the Hero of Time. The first technique taught by the skeletal warrior must be learnt as the game cannot be completed without it, the other six are optional.


From a gameplay perspective, the Twilight Realm portions of the game were vaguely inspired by the fact that prior ''Zelda'' games had always distinctively separated dungeons from the overworld. The team wondered what the result would be if a traditional ''Zelda'' dungeon was placed inside the open world instead. This resulted in the hunt for Tears of Light the player partakes in when in the Twilight-covered world. The atmosphere of the Twilight-covered Hyrule, as well as the Twilight Realm dungeon later in the game, were intended to make players feel uncomfortable. Special care was taken, however, to ensure that this was balanced right, so that it did not make the player so uncomfortable that they did not want to progress further or could not enjoy the experience.<ref name=":0"/>
In wolf form, Link automatically has a "sense" ability. Using the sense ability, Link can track down certain characters by following their scents with his enhanced senses. As a wolf, he is also able to find and dig holes to find new passages and uncover buried items such as hearts and rupees. He can also search for Poes in his wolf form, which can only be attacked when using his wolf senses. These are collected for a side-quest.


Aonuma left his team working on the new idea while he produced '']'' for the ]. When he returned, he found the ''Twilight Princess'' team struggling. Emphasis on the parallel worlds and the wolf transformation had made Link's character unbelievable. Aonuma also felt the gameplay lacked the caliber of innovation found in ''Phantom Hourglass'', which was being developed with ] for the Nintendo DS. At the same time, the Wii was under development with the code name "Revolution". Miyamoto thought that the Revolution's ], the Wii Remote, was well suited for aiming arrows in ''Zelda'', and he suggested that Aonuma consider using it.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=E3 2005 and 120% ''Zelda''}}</ref>
]


==Characters and bosses== ===Transition to the Wii===
Aonuma had anticipated creating a ''Zelda'' game for what would later become the Wii, but had assumed that he would need to complete ''Twilight Princess'' first. His team began work developing a pointing-based interface for the bow and arrow, and Aonuma found that aiming directly at the screen gave the game a new feel, just like the DS control scheme for ''Phantom Hourglass''. Aonuma felt confident this was the only way to proceed, but worried about consumers who had been anticipating a GameCube release. Developing two versions would mean delaying the previously announced 2005 release, still disappointing the consumer. Nintendo President ] felt that having both versions would satisfy users in the end, even though they would have to wait for the finished product. Aonuma then started working on both versions in parallel.<ref name=wii-transfer group="lower-alpha"/>
{{main|Characters in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}


Transferring GameCube development to the Wii was relatively simple, since the Wii was being created to be compatible with GameCube software.<ref name=wii-transfer group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=A Revolutionary idea}}</ref> At ], Nintendo released a small number of ]s containing a preview trailer for ''Twilight Princess''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-preview-trailer |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Preview Trailer |work=] |publisher=] |date=December 13, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229211941/http://ds.ign.com/objects/748/748615.html |archive-date=December 29, 2008}}</ref> They also announced that a ''Zelda'' title would appear on the Wii (then codenamed "Revolution"),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-mario-and-zelda-go-next-gen |title=E3 2005: Mario and Zelda Go Next-Gen |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 17, 2005 |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628171932/http://cube.ign.com/articles/615/615429p1.html |archive-date=June 28, 2008}}</ref> but were not clear to the media if this meant ''Twilight Princess'' or a different game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/692/692479p1.html |title=Every Revolution Game We Know About |work=] |publisher=] |date=February 28, 2006 |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101032532/http://wii.ign.com/articles/692/692479p1.html |archive-date=January 1, 2009}}</ref>
==Enemies==
{{see also|Enemies in The Legend of Zelda series}}
{{spoiler}}
]
The Enemy ] of ''Twilight Princess'' is more advanced than in ''The Wind Waker,''<ref>{{cite web|month=January |year=2006|url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside10.jsp|title=Inside Zelda Volume 201 – part 10: The Monsters in his head|curly=1|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-06-28}}</ref>, challenging players a little more.
Staple enemies such as ] return in ''Twilight Princess'', with a number of new creatures as well. Although Moblins appeared in the 2004 Trailer, they did not show up in the final release. Instead, their relatives, the Bokoblins, return alongside a new Moblin relative called Bulblins. Bokoblins in Twilight Princess are modeled to look like goblins or orcs, and can be found in various areas, wielding wooden swords. Bokoblins, unlike their Wind Waker versions, have whitish hair, and look much more human having lost their snouts, tails, and fur. Bulblins, a little more dangerous than their cousins, are armed with maces or bows and can ride in pairs on boars. Another classic enemy in the ''Zelda'' series, ], appear in the game, though their appearance has changed drastically since ''Ocarina of Time''. Darknuts return, as well. They are more powerful than in previous installments, where removing their armor forces them to drop their broadsword and instead draw a longsword and battle much faster than before. Beamos make a comeback in ''Twilight Princess'', though instead of the metallic incarnation, they are now stone blocks with red eyes on spinning heads, which shoot beams of lava instead of lasers. The reptilian Lizalfos and Dinolfos return from ''Ocarina of Time'', as well. A Skull Kid makes an appearance in Faron Woods's Sacred Grove, and Skulltullas return with an overhauled appearance; now appearing as massive spiders with a skull motif on their thorax rather than simply a skull-like carapace with legs as in previous games. Smaller Skulltulas act like their Ocarina of Time counterparts, while the larger, armored variety actually drop to the ground and attack Link directly.]Poes return, though now carrying scythes for a weapon, and Link may collect their souls as a sidequest. Link also encounters fire breathing lizards, Dodongos, though they now walk four legs. Other returning enemies include Deku Babas, Stalchildren, Tektites, Shellblades, Biris, Leevers, Chuchus, Iron Masks (or Hiploops, as similar monsters in Majora's Mask were called), Torch Slugs, and Wolfos. All of these returning creatures have a darker, more detailed look. Some returning creatures are given more abilities, while others have certain abilities cut back. One such example are the ] Knights of Arbiter's Grounds. While retaining the freezing scream of the Redeads present in both ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''The Wind Waker'', these new creatures attack with swords and have armor, traits that were not present in the previous incarnations. Also, it should be noted that the ]s are missing from this game, but a similar enemy, the Toadpolis, can be found. Only two areas have this enemy in ''Twilight Princess'': a hidden grove in Lake Hylia and two rooms in Goron Mines. While their appearance is much different than an Octorok, they behave in the same manner.


The team worked on a Wii control scheme, adapting camera control and the fighting mechanics to the new interface. A prototype was created that used a swinging gesture to control the sword from a first-person viewpoint but was unable to show the variety of Link's movements. When the third-person view was restored, Aonuma thought it felt strange to swing the Wii Remote with the right hand to control the sword in Link's left hand, so the entire world map was mirrored for the Wii version.<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13092" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=The first attempt at Wii control}}</ref> Details about Wii controls began to surface in December 2005 when British publication '']'' claimed that when a GameCube copy of ''Twilight Princess'' was played on the Revolution, it would give the player the option of using the Revolution controller.<ref>{{cite web|first=Che|last=Chou|date=December 22, 2005|url=http://www.1up.com/news/zelda-plays-revolution-controller|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013055752/http://www.1up.com/news/zelda-plays-revolution-controller|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2012|title=Play Zelda: Twilight Princess with the Revolution Controller|access-date=May 28, 2006|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref> Miyamoto confirmed the Revolution controller-functionality in an interview with Nintendo of Europe<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=EGM Presents: The 2006 1UP Network Awards|magazine=] |year=2006}}</ref> and '']'' reported this soon after.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Lev |last=Grossman |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1191861,00.html |title=A Game For All Ages |date=May 15, 2006 |access-date=March 12, 2015 |magazine=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129075256/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1191861%2C00.html |archive-date=January 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=May 7, 2006 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-06-zelda-wii-sword-fighting-next-gen-warioware-confirmed/1100-6149308/ |title=E3 06: Zelda Wii sword fighting, next-gen WarioWare confirmed |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=May 28, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905092436/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-06-zelda-wii-sword-fighting-next-gen-warioware-confirmed/1100-6149308/ |archive-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> However, support for the Wii controller did not make it into the GameCube release. At ], Nintendo confirmed that both versions would be available at the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/09/e3-2006-wii-gamecube-zelda-available-simultaneously |title=E3 2006: Wii, Gamecube Zelda Available Simultaneously |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 9, 2006 |last=Hatfield |first=Daemon |access-date=November 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104020816/http://wii.ign.com/articles/706/706166p1.html |archive-date=January 4, 2009}}</ref> and had a playable version of ''Twilight Princess'' for the Wii.<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13092" group="lower-alpha"/> Later, the GameCube release was pushed back to a month after the launch of the Wii.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/732/732852p1.html |title=Twilight Princess Slips |work=] |publisher=] |date=September 14, 2006 |last=Seff |first=Micah |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103094154/http://cube.ign.com/articles/732/732852p1.html |archive-date=January 3, 2009}}</ref>
Twilit Messengers are among the new enemies found in the game. Dropping from Portals from the Twilight Realm, they attack Link in various locations. In combat, if all but one Twilit Messenger is slain, it will revive its fellow Beings with a horrendous scream that temporarily freezes Link to the spot. When a group is defeated, the portal they fell from can be used to return to that location via warping. Twilit Parasites, invisible bugs found in the Twilight Realm, must be destroyed in the twilight. They carry Tears Of Light, the fragmented powers of the spirits. A Giant Twilit Parasite is fought at Lake Hylia as the final keeper of a Tear of Light. There are new enemies called Stalwolves, skeletal wolves, which attack Link during the night in Hyrule Field, similar to the Stalchildren of ''Ocarina of Time''.


Nintendo staff members reported that demo users complained about the difficulty of the control scheme. Aonuma realized that his team had implemented Wii controls under the mindset of "forcing" users to adapt, instead of making the system intuitive and easy to use. He began rethinking the controls with Miyamoto to focus on comfort and ease.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=E3 2006 lesson}}</ref> The camera movement was reworked and item controls were changed to avoid accidental button presses.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Camera and item controls}}</ref> In addition, the new item system required use of the button that had previously been used for the sword. To solve this, sword controls were transferred back to gestures—something E3 attendees had commented they would like to see. This reintroduced the problem of using a right-handed swing to control a left-handed sword attack. The team did not have enough time before release to rework Link's character model, so they instead flipped the entire game—everything was made a mirror image.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Sword controls}}</ref> Link was now right-handed, and references to "east" and "west" were reversed. The GameCube version, however, was left with the original orientation. The ''Twilight Princess'' player's guide focuses on the Wii version, but has a section in the back with mirror-image maps for GameCube users.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|pp=170–191}}</ref>
==Races==
*'''Hylian'''
:The Hylians are a race that closely resemble humans. Most characters in the game are Hylian. The Hylians are distinguished from humans by having long, swept back, pointed ears. Notable Hylians in the game include ], ] and all members of ] except Ashei and Rusl.
*'''Human'''
:Some of the characters in the game are human. They are distiguishable by having "normal" rounded ears and sharing their appearance with real life humans. In ''Twilight Pricess'' notable humans include ], ], and ].
*'''Goron'''
:The ] race has returned in the latest installment of the ''Zelda'' series. Aside from being taller, they retain many of the same features as the Gorons from past ''Zelda'' installments, only differing in that they now have a more rock like appearance with a rocky crust that can be seen on their head and back areas, and also wear tribal markings on their skin and loincloths. They serve as enemies in the game at first, rolling into Link like boulders upon noticing him. A little later the player is taught how to fight off this attack. Upon completeing the second dungeon, the Gorons decide to make peace with the humans (which the Gorons call them instead of Hylians) and no longer attack Link.
:A much larger Goron featured in early game artwork serves as a Mini-Boss in the second dungeon guarding the Hero's Bow. This Goron is noticibly different as it is much larger than most Gorons (albeit not as large as Biggoron featured in ''Ocarina Of Time'') and also features large pieces of metal grafted onto its back and arms.
*'''Zora'''
:The ] people also make a comeback. They live along Zora River and Link plays an important role in helping the Zoras on several occasions. Some Zoras also wear unusual, fish-like masks.
*'''Sheikah'''
:Though the name is not directly stated, Impaz is heavily implied to be a Sheikah because she said she was named after the one who made the Hidden Village (] from ]) and is in the same clan as they were. It also likely that the shaman of ] is of Sheikah ancestry, as he has the characteristic cheek bones and lips that Impa had. During ''Ocarina of Time'', many Sheikahs also resided in Kakariko Village, although that was some time before the events of ''Twilight Princess''.
*'''Gerudo'''
:The ] race itself has not returned, as Ganondorf is the only one present in the game. It is unknown if the Gerudo died out or were simply just excluded from the game for no apparent reason.
*'''Yeti'''
:The only Yetis that exist in the game are Yeto and Yeta. Both live in the Snowpeak Ruins.
*'''Twili'''
:The latest race to be revealed in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series is the Twili. They are the descendants of a group of mages who defied the gods and attempted to take over the sacred realm. As a result, they were banished to the Twilight Realm for their actions. Both ] and ] are Twili.
*'''Oocca'''
:Another new race, the Oocca, are said to be an ancient race that created the Hylians. They are small, flying creatures that have human-like heads and bird-like bodies. They dwell in the City in the Sky, which Link must visit toward the end of the game.
:The only key character from this race is Ooccoo. For each the first seven dungeons of the game, she will help the player escape the dungeon at any time after freeing her from a pot. Her son, Ooccoo Jr., will help the player return to the dungeon at any time, too. Her main goal is to return to the City in the Sky after finding the keeper of the Dominion Rod.


==Locations and dungeons== ===Music and sound===
The game's score was composed by ] and Asuka Ohta, with series regular ] serving as the sound supervisor.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|developer=]|publisher=]|date=November 19, 2006|platform=]/]| scene = Credits sequence|quote = MUSIC / Toru Minegishi / Asuka Ohta / Koji Kondo}}</ref> Minegishi took charge of composition and sound design in ''Twilight Princess'', providing all field and dungeon music.<ref name="Inside Zelda 13">{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside13.jsp |title=Inside Zelda: Part 13 |magazine=] |publisher=] |access-date=October 17, 2007 |volume=204 |date=June 2006 |pages=76–78 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614145139/http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside13.jsp |archive-date=June 14, 2008}}</ref> For the trailers, three pieces were written by different composers,<ref name="Inside Zelda 4">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside04.jsp |title=Inside Zelda part 4: Natural Rhythms of Hyrule |magazine=] |publisher=] |access-date=October 10, 2008 |volume=195 |date=September 2005 |pages=56–58 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811172047/http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside04.jsp |archive-date=August 11, 2014}}</ref> two of which were created by ] and Kondo.<ref name="kondointerview">{{cite magazine|title=VGL: Koji Kondo Interview |url=https://www.wired.com/2007/03/vgl_koji_kondo_ |first=Chris |last=Kohler |date=March 11, 2007 |magazine=] |publisher=] |access-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328142034/http://www.wired.com/2007/03/vgl_koji_kondo_/ |archive-date=March 28, 2015}}</ref> ] created orchestral arrangements for the three compositions, later to be performed by an ensemble conducted by Taizo Takemoto.<ref name="Inside Zelda 4"/> Kondo's piece was chosen as music for the E3 2005 trailer and for the demo movie after the title screen.<ref name="kondointerview"/> Midna has the most voice acting—her on-screen dialogue is often accompanied by a babble of pseudo-speech, which was produced by scrambling English phrases sampled by Japanese voice actress ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hillier|first=Brenna|title=Midna speaks English, and other secrets of The Legend of Zelda|url=https://www.vg247.com/2014/07/30/midna-speaks-english-and-other-secrets-of-the-legend-of-zelda/|website=]|date=July 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802004311/http://www.vg247.com/2014/07/30/midna-speaks-english-and-other-secrets-of-the-legend-of-zelda/|archive-date=August 2, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=April 30, 2016}}</ref>
{{main|Places in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}


Media requests at the trade show prompted Kondo to consider using orchestral music for the other tracks in the game as well, a notion reinforced by his preference for live instruments.<ref name="Inside Zelda 4"/> He originally envisioned a full 50-person orchestra for action sequences and a string quartet for more "lyrical moments",<ref name="Inside Zelda 4"/> though the final product used sequenced music instead.<ref name="ign wii review">{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/18/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review-2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112220602/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/18/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review-2|archive-date=January 12, 2017|work=]|publisher=]|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|date=November 17, 2006|access-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref> Kondo later cited the lack of interactivity that comes with orchestral music as one of the main reasons for the decision.<ref name="kondointerview"/> Both six- and seven-track versions of the game's ] were released on November 19, 2006, as part of a '']'' promotion and bundled with replicas of the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Official Soundtrack |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/4333 |work=VGMdb |access-date=August 3, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904013033/http://vgmdb.net/album/4333 |archive-date=September 4, 2009}}</ref>
==Music==
Music once again plays a role in ''Twilight Princess''. While Link does not carry a musical instrument of any type until well into the game, he can pick grass from certain patches and whistle with it to call an animal, either a Hawk or Epona (later on, an instrument shaped similarly to the grass used to summon Epona is given to Link and has the same effect as the aforementioned grass). Also, while as a wolf Link can howl near the same patches, to the same effect. When Link is in his wolf form, there are six "howling stones" located around the world where, after Link howls a certain melody shown onscreen a few times, a golden wolf appears and jumps somewhere else in the world. Link must then change back to his human form and find the wolf to learn a hidden sword technique. Some of the songs howled by Wolf Link are songs learned in previous games, such as the Oath to Order and the Song of Healing from '']'', and also the Minuet of Forest and the Nocturne of Shadow from '']''.


=== Technical vulnerability ===
In a first for the ''Zelda'' series, part of the soundtrack has been orchestrated as opposed to using ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/627/627737p1.html | title=Midi soundtrack | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-11-24}}</ref> The fact that Nintendo has decided to use mostly ] for the soundtrack, however, has been a point of criticism. MIDI allows the background music to be more dynamic, but the sound quality suffers. ], the lead composer for the game's soundtrack, originally stated that he "would really like to push for" the music to be orchestrated.<ref>{{cite web | month=September | year=2005 | url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside04.jsp | title=Inside Zelda, Part 4 | publisher=] | accessdate=2006-12-02}}</ref> Part of the full soundtrack is received when a '']'' subscription is purchased (the subscription also comes with a game guide for ''Twilight Princess'').
Following the discovery of a ] ] in the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', an ] known as the "Twilight Hack" was developed, allowing the ] of custom code from a ] (SD) card on the ]. A specifically designed ] would cause the game to load ], which could include ] (ELF) programs and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/twilight-hack-teases-homebrew/|title='Twilight Hack' teases homebrew|first=JC|last=Fletcher|work=]|publisher=]|date=February 11, 2008|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131144036/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/twilight-hack-teases-homebrew|archive-date=January 31, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Versions 3.3 and 3.4 of the ] prevented copying exploited save files onto the console until circumvention methods were discovered,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/new-wii-menu-update-3-3-nullifies-twilight-princess-hack/|title=New Wii menu update 3.3 nullifies ''Twilight Princess'' hack|first=Ross|last=Miller|work=]|publisher=]|date=June 16, 2008|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617191322/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/new-wii-menu-update-3-3-nullifies-twilight-princess-hack/|archive-date=June 17, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Greenhough|first=Chris|title=It lives! The Twilight Hack returns|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/it-lives-the-twilight-hack-returns/|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310072146/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/it-lives-the-twilight-hack-returns/|archive-date=March 10, 2011|url-status=live|date=November 24, 2008}}</ref> and version 4.0 of the Wii Menu ] the vulnerability.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Jason|title=Hack Your Wii for Homebrew without ''Twilight Princess''|url=http://lifehacker.com/5342733/hack-your-wii-for-homebrew-without-twilight-princess|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823183030/http://lifehacker.com/5342733/hack-your-wii-for-homebrew-without-twilight-princess|archive-date=August 23, 2009|url-status=live|date=August 21, 2009}}</ref>


==Development== ===Wii U version===
{{Infobox video game
A number of rumors about the game were confirmed at E³ 2005. The official title, ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' was announced. (The title was actually first revealed in a pre-E³ scan from '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehylia.com/media/displayimage.php?pos=-3102|title=Game Informer (US) June 2005|}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=ezzkmo|date=2005-05-14|url=http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2113|title=Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|curly=1|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>)
| title = The Legend of Zelda:<br/>Twilight Princess HD
| image =
| caption = Cover art
| alt =
| developer = {{plainlist|
* ]
* ]
}}
| publisher = ]
| director = Tomomi Sano
| producer = ]
| designer =
| programmer = Sean O'Sullivan
| artist = Paul Court
| writer =
| composer = {{ubl|]|Asuka Ohta|]}}
| series =
| platforms = ]
| released = {{Video game release|]/]|March 4, 2016|AUS|March 5, 2016|JP|March 10, 2016}}
| genre = ]
| modes = ]
}}
A ] ] of the game, ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD'', was developed by ] for the ]. Announced during a ] presentation on November 13, 2015, it features enhanced graphics and ] functionality.<ref name="HD announcement"/> The game was released worldwide in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, Hyrule Warriors: Legends, and New Nintendo 3DS XL Hyrule edition provide a Triforce of releases to start 2016|url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/news/nid/3740/|publisher=]|access-date=February 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123043706/http://www.nintendo.com.au/news/nid/3740/|archive-date=January 23, 2016|url-status=dead|date=January 22, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD story trailer|url=http://gematsu.com/2016/01/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-story-trailer|website=Gematsu|access-date=February 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130094537/http://gematsu.com/2016/01/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-story-trailer|archive-date=January 30, 2016|url-status=live|date=January 29, 2016}}</ref>


The idea for a high-definition version of ''Twilight Princess'' first originated during the production of '']''. Nintendo experimented with an HD version of ''Twilight Princess'' running on ] development kits when trying to settle on a graphical style for the new game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QyMsF31NdNc&feature=youtu.be|title=Breaking Conventions with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - YouTube|website=]|date=March 10, 2017 |access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003155106/https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QyMsF31NdNc|url-status=live}}</ref> This ultimately led to the production of '']'', whose success encouraged the ''Zelda'' team to pursue other high-definition remasters. After its release, which was developed internally at ] in only six months, the ''Zelda'' team settled on an HD ] of ''Twilight Princess''. At the time, most of the ''Zelda'' team was preoccupied with ''Breath of the Wild'', so Nintendo sought a partnership with an external ], the Australia-based ], to work on ''Twilight Princess HD''.<ref name="NL interview">{{cite interview |last=Aonuma |first=Eiji |subject-link=Eiji Aonuma |last2=Sano |first2=Tomomi |interviewer=Thomas Whitehead |title=Interview: Eiji Aonuma and Tomomi Sano Shed Light on The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/interview_eiji_aonuma_and_tomomi_sano_shed_light_on_the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd |work=] |publisher=] |date=March 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303093233/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/interview_eiji_aonuma_and_tomomi_sano_shed_light_on_the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref>
The game falls chronologically about 100 years after ''Ocarina of Time'',<ref>''Nintendo Power''</ref> though the reference to being before ''The Wind Waker'' has been omitted in recent interviews with the developers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehylia.com/media/thumbnails.php?album=353|title=Reflections on Zelda|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> Interviews and a playable demo exposed many new details, such as Link beginning the game as a ranch-hand, Link battling on horseback, changes in the horse controls from ''Ocarina of Time'', thematic differences between dungeons, and so on.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rorie|first=Matthew|date=2005-05-18|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/preview_6125311.html|title=Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess E3 2005 Demo Walkthrough Impressions|curly=1|pages=5|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>


According to ], who directed the original release and produced ''Twilight Princess HD'', ensuring the remaster would take advantage of the Wii U GamePad was a point of focus early in the title's development. The control scheme used in the ] version was adapted for the remaster due to similarities between the button layouts of the two ]' controllers.<ref name="NL interview"/> Aonuma considered underwater gameplay in the remaster to be significantly improved. Other enhancements include speeding up a handful of cutscenes that seemed overly long by modern standards<ref name="NL interview"/> and reducing repetitive gameplay elements, such as collecting Tears of Light while in the Twilight Realm.<ref name="Polygon review">{{cite web|last=McElroy|first=Griffin|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD review|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/1/11137784/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301213626/http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/1/11137784/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review|archive-date=March 1, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref> A commitment to "preserving the feel of the original" inspired several design decisions, such as keeping the ] at 30 frames per second.<ref name="NL interview"/> Tomomi Sano, the assistant director of the Wii U version, noted the degree of refinement the graphics would receive required much consideration: "When we created more precise ] of objects to go with the higher ], we found that everything was too clear and we lost that soft and delicate atmosphere that you get in particular at twilight or with the light in a forest".<ref name="NL interview"/>
The game received ] at E3 2005 for Best Console Game and Best Action/Adventure Game<ref>{{cite web| title = 2005 Winners | url = http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005wins.html | publisher = www.gamecriticsawards.com}}</ref>, and the award of Best Playable Game at E3 2005 by ]'s ]. ''Twilight Princess'' received the same awards, except for Best Console Game, at E3 2006 as well.


Certain bundles of the game contain a Wolf Link Amiibo figurine, which unlocks a Wii U-exclusive dungeon called the "Cave of Shadows"<ref name="HD changes">{{cite web|last=Otero|first=Jose|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Looks (and Plays) Better Than You Think|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/04/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-looks-and-plays-better-than-you-think|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=February 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204153316/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/04/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-looks-and-plays-better-than-you-think|archive-date=February 4, 2016|url-status=live|date=February 4, 2016}}</ref> and can carry data over to '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|title=Zelda: Twilight Princess HD has a new dungeon|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-14-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-has-a-new-dungeon|website=]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=January 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115084316/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-14-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-has-a-new-dungeon|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live|date=January 14, 2016}}</ref> In the Cave of Shadows, Link fights waves of enemies while restricted to his wolf form.<ref name="HD changes"/> Comparable to the optional "Cave of Ordeals" present in the original release, opportunities to recover health during the trial are sparse.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|title=Zelda: Twilight Princess HD's Amiibo-exclusive dungeon revealed|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-21-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-amiibo-exclusive-dungeon-revealed|website=]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122165911/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-21-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-amiibo-exclusive-dungeon-revealed|archive-date=January 22, 2016|url-status=live|date=January 21, 2016}}</ref> Other ''Zelda''-related Amiibo figurines have distinct functions: Link and Toon Link replenish arrows, Zelda and ] restore Link's health, and Ganondorf causes Link to take twice as much damage.<ref name="HD changes"/> A CD containing 20 musical selections from the game was available as a ] preorder bonus in North America; it is included with the limited-edition bundle in other regions.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jenni<!-- no last name given -->|title=The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD's Sound Selection CD Features 20 Remastered Tracks|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/19/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-sound-selection-cd-features-20-remastered-tracks/|website=Siliconera|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211037/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/19/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-sound-selection-cd-features-20-remastered-tracks/|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live|date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> A three-disc original soundtrack consisting of 108 pieces from the game was released in Japan in July 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosario|first=Kristen G.|title=Twilight Princess HD original soundtrack to be released in Japan on July 27th|url=http://www.zeldainformer.com/news/twilight-princess-hd-original-soundtrack-to-be-released-in-japan-on-july-27|website=Zelda Informer|publisher=]|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809000617/http://www.zeldainformer.com/news/twilight-princess-hd-original-soundtrack-to-be-released-in-japan-on-july-27|archive-date=August 9, 2016|url-status=live|date=June 9, 2016}}</ref>
The game was delayed extensively; Its original release date was somewhere in ], until ], ], when Nintendo announced it would be released some time after ] ], because the development team needed more time to work on the game.<ref name="delay"/> In February, Reggie Fils-Aime stated in an interview on ] that ''Twilight Princess'' would be released in the Fall of 2006,<ref>{{cite web|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=2006-02-20|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/news.html?sid=6144601|title=Fils-Aime: Zelda now coming in "fall"|curly=1|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> well past the expected spring or early summer release but still in time for the holiday shopping season. At Nintendo’s pre-E³ 2006 press conference, Reggie Fils-Aime announced that two versions would be released simultaneously in the Americas: one for GCN, and one for Wii.


==Reception==
On ] ], Nintendo officially announced the release dates of ''Twilight Princess''. The Wii, along with the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', was released first on ] ] in ], with the GameCube version coming on ] ]. Both the GameCube and the Wii version launched simultaneously in ] on ] ]. ] and ] saw the Wii-version launched on ] ] and ] ] respectively, while the GameCube-version was launched on ] ] and ] ] respectively.
===Reviews===
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Platforms -->| NGC = true
| WII = true
| WIIU = true


<!-- Aggregate score -->| MC_NGC = 96/100{{efn|Based on 16 reviews}}<ref name=metacritic-gcn>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for GameCube Reviews |access-date=April 1, 2015 |website=] |publisher=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123210643/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess |archive-date=November 23, 2010}}</ref>
]
| MC_WII = 95/100{{efn|Based on 73 reviews}}<ref name=metacritic-wii>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for Wii Reviews |access-date=April 1, 2015 |website=] |publisher=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320124400/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess |archive-date=March 20, 2015}}</ref>
| MC_WIIU = 86/100{{efn|Based on 74 reviews}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for Wii U Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |website=] |publisher=] |date=2016 |access-date=April 19, 2016 |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929122034/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd |url-status=live}}</ref>


<!-- Review scores -->| 1UP_NGC = A+<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/zelda-twilight-princess|title=Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess GCN 1UP Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525153008/http://www.1up.com/reviews/zelda-twilight-princess|archive-date=May 25, 2016}}</ref>
The cloaked figure, first revealed in the opening of the third official trailer released by Nintendo at E3 in 2005, is Zelda, wearing traditional ] robes and bearing a ] at her side. On this cloak there is also shown a ] symbol.
| 1UP_WII = A+<ref name="1UP">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/legend-zelda |title=1up's Wii Review: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |work=] |publisher=] |first=Jeremy |last=Parish |date=November 16, 2006 |access-date=January 31, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070927213408/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155329&sec=REVIEWS |archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref>
| Allgame_NGC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=Allgame>{{cite web |last=Reges |first=Julia |url=http://allgame.com/game.php?id=45608&tab=review |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess—Review |website=] |publisher=] |date=October 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216041607/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=45608&tab=review |archive-date=February 16, 2010 |access-date=September 25, 2013}}</ref>
| CGM_WIIU = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Orme |first=Cody |title=Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess HD (Wii U) Review |url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review/ |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309054532/https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| CVG_WII = 10/10<ref name="CVG">{{cite web|last=Robinson |first=Andy |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149383&skip=yes |title=Wii Review: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |website=]|date=November 19, 2006 |access-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517194326/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149383&skip=yes|archive-date=May 17, 2007|publisher=]}}</ref>
| Destruct_WIIU = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |title=Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd/ |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912190354/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Edge_WII = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/legend-zelda-twilight-princess/ |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |magazine=] |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404101512/http://www.edge-online.com/review/legend-zelda-twilight-princess/ |archive-date=April 4, 2013 |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref>
| EGM_WII = 30/30<ref name="EGM"/>
| Fam_WII = 38/40<ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=]|script-title=ja:ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス (9 / 10 / 9 / 10)|date= November 24, 2006|publisher=]|language=ja}}</ref>
| GI = 10/10<ref name="game informer"/>
| GameRev_WIIU = {{Rating|9|10}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Review {{!}} Aces high |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/70036-the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review#/slide/1 |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912182950/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/70036-the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review#/slide/1 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GamePro_WII = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Moses |first=Tenacious |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/87108/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905090756/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/87108/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/ |archive-date=September 5, 2010 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review from GamePro |magazine=] |publisher=] |date=September 5, 2010 |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref>
| GSpot_NGC = 8.9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |first=Jeff |last=Gerstmann |author-link=Jeff Gerstmann |website=] |publisher=] |date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=June 18, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105044402/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html |archive-date=January 5, 2007}}</ref>
| GSpot_WII = 8.8/10<ref name="GameSpot Wii review"/>
| GSpot_WIIU = 9/10<ref name="GameSpot review">{{cite web|last=Crossley|first=Rob|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/1900-6416369/|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301232153/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/1900-6416369/|archive-date=March 1, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref>
| GRadar_WII = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="GamesRadar Wii">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/ |last=Elston |first=Brett |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review |website=] |publisher=] |date=November 21, 2006 |access-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523163618/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/ |archive-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref>
| GRadar_WIIU = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD review {{!}} Aces high |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/ |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019055557/https://www.gamesradar.com/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy_WII = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="gamespy"/>
| IGN_NGC = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/18/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review-2 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |website=] |publisher=] |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |date=December 15, 2006 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061217071324/http://cube.ign.com/articles/751/751266p1.html |archive-date=December 17, 2006}}</ref>
| IGN_WII = 9.5/10<ref name="ign wii review"/>
| IGN_WIIU = 8.6/10<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web|last=Otero|first=Jose|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302103003/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review|archive-date=March 2, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref>
| NLife_WIIU = {{Rating|9|10}}<ref name="Nintendo Life review">{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|title=Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301140054/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd|archive-date=March 1, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref>
| NP_NGC = 9.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=]|publisher=]|title=The Best for Last|volume=212|date=February 2007|first=George|last=Sinfield|page=95}}</ref>
| NP_WII = 9.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=]|publisher=]|title=The Strongest Link|volume=211|date=January 2007|first= Chris|last=Hoffman|pages=98–99}}</ref>
| NWR_WII = 10/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12434 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review—Review |website=Nintendo World Report |date=November 18, 2006 |access-date=March 25, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529190314/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12434 |archive-date=May 29, 2010}}</ref>
| NWR_WIIU = 9/10<ref name="NWR review">{{cite web|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U) Review|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/42027/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302095153/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/42027/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review|archive-date=March 2, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref>
| Poly_WIIU = 8/10<ref name="Polygon review"/>
| ONM_WII = 97%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/2417/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/|title=Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess ONM Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009235814/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/2417/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/|archive-date=October 9, 2014}}</ref>
| SN_WIIU = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Review: Cry Wolf |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/93498/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review-cry-wolf |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625011659/https://www.shacknews.com/article/93498/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review-cry-wolf |url-status=live}}</ref>
| USG_WIIU = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Wii U Review: The Long, Twilight Struggle |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review-the-long-twilight-struggle |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921074639/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review-the-long-twilight-struggle |url-status=live}}</ref>
| VB_WIIU = 90/100<ref>{{cite web |last=Minotti |first=Mike |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD erases my Wii resentment |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-erases-my-wii-resentment/ |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517152406/https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-erases-my-wii-resentment/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| XPlay_WII = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1315/The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.html| title=Reviews—The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|website=]|first=Michael|last=Leffler|access-date=March 19, 2007|year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206201527/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1315/The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.html|archive-date=December 6, 2006}}</ref>


<!-- Awards; no limit -->| award1Pub = ]
According to statements from Nintendo, such as from translator and localization manager ], it took the Twilight Princess game testers an average of 70 hours to beat the game on the first run-through. He stated that he was working on his second play-through of the game and even knowing what to do, where to go, and skipping cut-scenes, he had logged about 27 hours to make it about two thirds of the way through the temples themselves - and that didn't account for any of the side quests or time sinks like fishing.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Casamassina|authorlink=Matt Casamassina |date=2006-11-03 |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/744/744044p1.html |title=Hands-on The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}</ref>
| award1 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award2Pub = ]
| award2 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award3Pub = ]
| award3 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award4Pub = ]
| award4 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award5Pub = ]
| award5 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award6Pub = ]
| award6 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award7Pub = ]
| award7 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award8Pub = ]
| award8 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award9Pub = ]
| award9 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award10Pub = ]
| award10 = Nintendo Game of the Year (2016)
}}


''Twilight Princess'' was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. It received perfect scores from major publications such as '']'',<ref name="1UP"/> '']'',<ref name="CVG"/> '']'',<ref name="EGM">{{Cite magazine|first=Jeremy|last= Parish|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review| magazine=]|volume=211|pages=56–58|date=January 2007}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="game informer">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E9CD9493-4C3A-4FB9-BF2E-7A1E9E157B9E.htm |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|access-date=December 5, 2006|magazine=]|publisher=]|first=Andrew|last=Reiner |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061129162801/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E9CD9493-4C3A-4FB9-BF2E-7A1E9E157B9E.htm |archive-date = November 29, 2006}}</ref> '']''<ref name="GamesRadar Wii"/> and '']''.<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web|url=http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/legend-of-zelda-wii/745573p1.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |first=Bryn |last=Williams |date=November 13, 2006 |access-date=December 5, 2006 |work=] |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061202120515/http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/legend-of-zelda-wii/745573p1.html |archive-date=December 2, 2006}}</ref> On the review aggregator ], ''Twilight Princess'' holds scores of 95/100 for the Wii version and 96/100 for the GameCube version, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref name=metacritic-gcn/><ref name=metacritic-wii/> It is the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Video Games for 2006|url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/all/filtered?year_selected=2006|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=February 21, 2017|archive-date=April 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413200412/http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/all/filtered?year_selected=2006|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'' in their review called it one of the greatest games ever created.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/ytj1x4/the-legend-of-zelda--twilight-princess-review |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |work=] |publisher=] |date=November 21, 2006 |access-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828085021/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/ytj1x4/the-legend-of-zelda--twilight-princess-review |archive-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref>
===''Twilight Princess'' on Wii===
<!-- Much of this paragraph is old news by now. It needs date info for posterity. -->
British publication '']'' claimed, in December 2005, that when the GameCube version is played on Wii, the player will be given the option of using ];<ref>{{cite web|last=Chou|first=Che|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3146578|title=Play Zelda: Twilight Princess with the Revolution Controller|curly=1|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> and it was not suspected that two versions of the game would be released. Reggie Fils-Aime denied these claims, stating that across the board, GCN games played on Wii would not be compatible with Wii's controller.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rojas|first=Peter|date=2006-02-20|url=http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/the-engadget-interview-reggie-fils-aime-executive-vice-preside/|title=The Engadget Interview: Reggie Fils-Aime, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nintendo|curly=1|publisher=Engadget|language=|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> Nintendo of France Director of Marketing Mathieu Minel stated in a subsequent interview with Jeux-France that ''Twilight Princess'' would include Wii controller functionality one way or another,{{fact}} but Nintendo quickly requested that this be removed from the interview.<ref>{{cite web|language=French|last=Morcos|first=Antoine|date=2006-02-22|url=http://www.jeux-france.com/articles_dossiers252_interview-nintendo.html|title=Interview Nintendo|curly=1|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> In the end, however, ] himself was reported to have confirmed the Wii controller functionality in an interview with Nintendo of Europe.<ref>{{cite web|date=2006-03-15|url=http://www.nintendo-europe.com/NOE/en/GB/editorial/article.do?elementId=XOX3vCR25ckoow2c3P8mWuYiXoCusOyv|title=Miyamoto interview|curly=1|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|language=|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> ] reported this also soon after.<ref>{{cite news|first=Lev|last=Grossman|url=http://time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1191861-3,00.html|title=A Game For All Ages|curly=1|date=2006-05-15|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=2006-05-07|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6149308.html|title=E3 06: Zelda Wii sword fighting, next-gen WarioWare confirmed|curly=1|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> Finally, at E³ ], Nintendo announced that there would be two versions of ''Twilight Princess'': one for GameCube (released on ] ]), and one for Wii (released on its launch date, ] ]).


On release, ''Twilight Princess'' was considered to be the greatest ''Zelda'' game ever made by many critics including writers for ''1UP.com'',<ref name="1UP"/> ''Computer and Video Games'',<ref name="CVG"/> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'',<ref name="EGM"/> ''Game Informer'',<ref name="game informer"/> ''GamesRadar'',<ref name="GamesRadar Wii"/> '']''<ref name="ign wii review"/> and '']''.<ref name="Washington Post">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/15/AR2007031500560.html |title=Zelda Brightens GameCube's Twilight Years |first=Gregory |last=McDougal |newspaper=] |access-date=October 17, 2008 |date=March 16, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112035837/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/15/AR2007031500560.html |archive-date=November 12, 2012}}</ref> ''Game Informer'' called it "so creative that it rivals the best that Hollywood has to offer".<ref name="game informer"/> ''GamesRadar'' praised ''Twilight Princess'' as "a game that deserves nothing but the absolute highest recommendation".<ref name="GamesRadar Wii"/> ''Cubed3'' hailed ''Twilight Princess'' as "the single greatest videogame experience".<ref name="Cubed">{{cite web|title=C3 Reviews :: ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' |url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/433/1/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-nintendo-wii.html |work=Cubed3 |first=James |last=Temperton |date=December 8, 2006 |access-date=October 29, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522000845/http://www.cubed3.com/review/433/1/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-nintendo-wii.html |archive-date=May 22, 2013}}</ref> ''Twilight Princess''{{'}} graphics were praised for the art style and animation, although the game was designed for the GameCube, which is technically lacking compared to the next generation consoles. Both ''IGN'' and ''GameSpy'' pointed out the existence of blurry textures and low-resolution characters.<ref name="ign wii review"/><ref name="gamespy"/> Despite these complaints, ''Computer and Video Games'' felt the game's atmosphere was superior to that of any previous ''Zelda'' game and regarded ''Twilight Princess''{{'}} Hyrule as the best version ever created.<ref name="CVG"/> ''PALGN'' praised the game's cinematics, noting that "the cutscenes are the best ever in ''Zelda'' games".<ref name="PALGN">{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6017|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review|first=Chris|last=Sell|date=December 12, 2006|work=PALGN|access-date=May 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616143454/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6017|archive-date=June 16, 2007}}</ref> Regarding the Wii version, '']''{{'}}s ] said the Wii controls felt "tacked-on",<ref name="GameSpot Wii review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |first=Jeff |last=Gerstmann |author-link=Jeff Gerstmann |website=] |publisher=] |date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=June 18, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206071832/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html |archive-date=December 6, 2006}}</ref> although ''1UP.com'' said the remote-swinging sword attacks were "the most impressive in the entire series".<ref name="1UP"/> ''Gaming Nexus'' considered ''Twilight Princess''{{'}} soundtrack to be the best of this generation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&I=1404|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review|first=Sean|last=Colleli|work=Gaming Nexus|access-date=May 22, 2008|date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070803025943/http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&I=1404|archive-date=August 3, 2007}}</ref> though ''IGN'' criticized its ]-formatted songs for lacking "the punch and crispness" of their orchestrated counterparts.<ref name="ign wii review"/>
Shigeru Miyamoto had said in an interview that the only differences between the GameCube and Wii versions of the ''Twilight Princess'' are technical<ref>MacDonald, Mark & Shane Bettenhausen (June, 2006). “Revolutionary Link”. '']'' #204: p. 100.</ref> (as described above). The Wii version also displays in a 16:9 (wide screen) format in 480p, where the GameCube version plays only in 4:3<ref>{{cite web|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|date=2006-05-11|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=64601&page=2|title=Miyamoto and Sakurai on Nintendo Wii|curly=1|pages=2|publisher=Eurogamer|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>.


==== Wii U version ====
In the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', Link is ], despite his famous ] preference. Miyamoto noticed that players preferred wielding their "swords" right-handed, but by that point, all the maps, bosses and models had already been designed with a left-handed stance in mind. The "simplest" solution was to invert the entire game horizontally (ironically, there is no mode for left-handed people). In the GameCube version, Link remains left-handed, and the maps and player guides for the two versions are mirror versions of each other.<ref>{{cite web | first=Matt |last=Casamassina | authorlink=Matt Casamassina | url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733762p1.html | title=Miyamoto Talks Righty Link | publisher=IGN | date=2006-09-20 | accessdate=2006-11-28}}</ref>Anything in the game referring to east/west or left/right is changed accordingly between the two versions.
''Twilight Princess HD'' holds a score of 86/100 at the ] ], indicating "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for Wii U Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |access-date=April 19, 2016 |website=] |publisher=] |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929122034/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd |url-status=live}}</ref> The title received the Nintendo Game of the Year award at the ]s in November 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=November 18, 2016 |title=Eiji Aonuma Wins Golden Joystick Lifetime Achievement Award as Pokémon GO Picks Up Two Gongs |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/11/eiji_aonuma_wins_golden_joystick_lifetime_achievement_award_as_pokemon_go_picks_up_two_gongs |access-date=November 19, 2016 |website=] |publisher=] |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504035709/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/11/eiji_aonuma_wins_golden_joystick_lifetime_achievement_award_as_pokemon_go_picks_up_two_gongs |url-status=live}}</ref>


===Awards===
{{spoilers}}
''Twilight Princess'' received the awards for Best Artistic Design,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/22.html| title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Artistic Design|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110084417/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/22.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> Best Original Score,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/23.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Original Score|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101449/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/23.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> and Best Use of Sound<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/25.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Use of Sound|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101459/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/25.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> from ''IGN'' for its GameCube version. Both ''IGN'' and ''Nintendo Power'' gave ''Twilight Princess'' the awards for Best Graphics<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/21.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Graphics Technology|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110084407/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/21.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/21.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Wii: Best Graphics Technology|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110000633/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/21.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref><ref name="NP Awards"/> and Best Story.<ref name="NP Awards">{{Cite magazine| magazine=]|publisher=]|volume=215|title=2006 Nintendo Power Awards|pages=50–56|date=May 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/26.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Story|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status= dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110001234/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/26.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/26.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Wii: Best Story|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110000714/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/26.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> ''Twilight Princess'' received ] awards from ''GameTrailers'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16209.html|title=2006 GameTrailers Awards: Game of the Year|work=]|publisher=]|date=January 11, 2007|access-date=September 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070619120955/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16209.html|archive-date=June 19, 2007}}</ref> ''1UP.com'',<ref name="1UP GOTY">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156878 |title=The 2006 1UP Awards Winners |work=] |publisher=] |date=January 31, 2007 |access-date=December 29, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927191800/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156878 |archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'',<ref name="EGM Awards">{{Cite magazine|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review|magazine=]|volume=213 |date=March 2007|pages=77–81}}</ref> ''Game Informer'',<ref name="GI Awards">{{Cite magazine|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review|magazine=]|publisher=]|volume=165|date=January 2007|pages=88, 102}}</ref> ''GamesRadar'',<ref name="Games Radar platinum chalice awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/gamesradars-potentially-annual-platinum-chalice-awards-2006/?page=17 |title=GamesRadar's potentially annual Platinum Chalice awards 2006 |work=] |publisher=] |date=December 22, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071834/http://www.gamesradar.com/gamesradars-potentially-annual-platinum-chalice-awards-2006/?page=17 |archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> ''GameSpy'',<ref name="GameSpy Awards"/> ],<ref>{{cite episode|title=Favorite Video Game of 2007|series=Spaceys|network=]|airdate=2007}}</ref> '']''<ref name="g4tv">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/54347/XPlays_Best_of_06_ActionAdventure.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070119092909/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/54347/XPlays_Best_of_06_ActionAdventure.html|archive-date=January 19, 2007|title=BEST OF '06: Action/Adventure|work=]|access-date=March 19, 2007}}</ref> and ''Nintendo Power''.<ref name="NP Awards"/> It was also given awards for Best Adventure Game from the ],<ref name="Game Critics Awards"/> ''X-Play'',<ref name="g4tv"/> ''IGN'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/2.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Adventure Game|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070114180905/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/2.html|archive-date=January 14, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/2.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Wii: Best Adventure Game|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101218/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/2.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> ''GameTrailers'',<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16145.html|title=2006 GameTrailers Awards: Best Action/Adventure Game|work=]|publisher=]|date=January 9, 2007|access-date=September 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912074030/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16145.html|archive-date=September 12, 2007}}</ref> ''1UP.com'',<ref name="1UP GOTY"/> and ''Nintendo Power''.<ref name="NP Awards"/> The game was considered the Best Console Game by the Game Critics Awards<ref name="Game Critics Awards">{{cite web|title=2005 Winners |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005winners.html |work=] |access-date=December 29, 2008 |year=2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623153723/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005winners.html |archive-date=June 23, 2009}}</ref> and ''GameSpy''.<ref name="GameSpy Awards">{{cite web|url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/overall/index15.html|title=GameSpy's Game of the Year 2006|access-date=August 26, 2008|work=]|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231130212/http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/overall/index15.html|archive-date=December 31, 2006}}</ref> During the ], ''Twilight Princess'' was awarded with "]" by the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGameAwardType=100|title=2007 Awards Category Details - Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development|work=]|access-date=February 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504041207/http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGameAwardType=100|archive-date=May 4, 2011}}</ref> while also receiving nominations for "]", "Console Game of the Year", "]", "]", and "]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGame=858 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |publisher=] |website=interactive.org |access-date=6 November 2023}}</ref> The game placed 16th in '']''{{'}}s list of the 100 Greatest Nintendo Games of All Time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7297| title=20–11 Official Nintendo Magazine|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=February 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228105305/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7297|archive-date=February 28, 2009}}</ref> ''IGN'' ranked the game as the 4th-best Wii game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/14/the-top-25-wii-games-2|title=The Top 25 Wii Games|work=]|publisher=]|date=November 26, 2009|access-date=November 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202193141/http://wii.ign.com/articles/104/1048874p22.html|archive-date=December 2, 2009}}</ref> ''Nintendo Power'' ranked the game as the third-best game to be released on a Nintendo system in the 2000s decade.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Best of the Decade |magazine=] |publisher=] |issue=252 |pages=68–77 |date=March 2010}}</ref>
==Extra Challenges==
Many people, including the most dedicated fans, have complained of the easy difficulty of the game. Some have considered creating other challenges to make the next playthrough more thrilling and add a much more taxing experience to the player. These include:


===Sales ===
'''The Three Heart Challenge:'''Where a player goes through the entire game without collecting heart pieces or heart containers from bosses. The player then only ends up with the default 3 hearts from the start of the game.
In North America, the game was sold with three of every four Wii purchases during its first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/over-600000-wiis-served/1100-6162373/|title=Over 600,000 Wiis served|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|work=]|publisher=]|date=November 27, 2006|access-date=January 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926213055/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/news.html?sid=6162373|archive-date=September 26, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wii version sold 412,000 copies in the United States during November 2006, representing 87% of Wii launch sales that month, the highest ] for a ] since '']'' launched with the ] in 1996.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gallagher |first=Brendan |title=Nintendo of America Releases Details of November NPD |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/12527/nintendo-of-america-releases-details-of-november-npd |access-date=23 November 2021 |work=Nintendo World Report |date=December 7, 2006 |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123020459/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/12527/nintendo-of-america-releases-details-of-november-npd |url-status=live}}</ref> It went on to become America's fifth-best-selling ] with 1.5 million copies sold for the Wii and GameCube in the US that year.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Surette|first=Tim|date=January 16, 2007|title=Madden hoists 2006 sales trophy|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/madden-hoists-2006-sales-trophy/1100-6164113/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-23|website=]|language=en-US|archive-date=November 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122000551/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/madden-hoists-2006-sales-trophy/1100-6164113/}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the Wii version received a Platinum sales award from the ] (ELSPA),<ref name=platinumelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515224703/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3944 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3944 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Platinum |work=] |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies in the UK.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php | url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php | title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | last=Caoili | first=Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=] | archive-date=September 18, 2017 | url-status=dead}}</ref>


The game had sold 5.82 million copies on the Wii as of March 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/annual1103e.pdf|title=Nintendo Annual Report 2011|website=]|date=August 1, 2011|access-date=January 27, 2012|page=13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017182453/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/annual1103e.pdf|archive-date=October 17, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> and 1.32 million on the GameCube as of March 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf|title=Supplementary Information about Earnings Release|website=]|date=April 25, 2007|access-date=September 17, 2007|page=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927171153/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf|archive-date=September 27, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> As of September 2015, the game had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide across both platforms,<ref>{{cite web |title=ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス HD |trans-title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000019307 |website=] |access-date=23 November 2021 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304155123/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000019307 |url-status=live}}</ref> making it the best-selling single title in the series until it was surpassed by '']'' in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|title=Switch sales stand at over 17M units, Breath of the Wild now best-selling Zelda title|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|website=VG247|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=27 December 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428141737/https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Playing without the Hylian Shield:'''The player does not buy the Hylian Shield if their Ordon Shield burns up, or replace it with another Wooden Shield.


==== Wii U version ====
'''Zora Armor Only:'''The player only uses the Zora Armor after it they get it from the deceased Zora Queen. They may not switch to any other tunic after they put it on.
The remaster sold 52,282 copies during its first week of release in Japan, which placed it at second place in the video-game sales charts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sato |date=March 16, 2016 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/16/week-sales-division-raids-twilight-princess-hd-summon-night-6-follows/ |title=This Week In Sales: The Division Raids In, Twilight Princess HD And Summon Night 6 Follows |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321015539/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/16/week-sales-division-raids-twilight-princess-hd-summon-night-6-follows/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, it came in at number 9 on the charts, selling an additional 7,705 copies.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sato |date=March 23, 2016 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/23/week-sales-pokkn-tournament-brings-fight-digimon-world-follows/ |title=This Week In Sales: Pokkén Tournament Brings The Fight, Digimon World Follows |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105194113/https://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/23/week-sales-pokkn-tournament-brings-fight-digimon-world-follows/ |url-status=live}}</ref> By comparison, 30,264 copies of ''The Wind Waker HD'' were sold in its first week in Japan.<ref name="Japan sales week 1">{{cite web|author=Sato|date=March 16, 2016|title=This Week In Sales: The Division Raids In, Twilight Princess HD And Summon Night 6 Follows|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/16/week-sales-division-raids-twilight-princess-hd-summon-night-6-follows/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321015539/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/16/week-sales-division-raids-twilight-princess-hd-summon-night-6-follows/|archive-date=March 21, 2016|access-date=August 8, 2016|website=Siliconera|publisher=]}}</ref> In the first week of ''Twilight Princess HD''{{'}}s United Kingdom release, the remaster was the second-best-selling game and the best-selling game released for a single platform in the country.<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Leads the Way for Nintendo in UK Charts|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd_leads_the_way_for_nintendo_in_uk_charts|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307162252/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd_leads_the_way_for_nintendo_in_uk_charts|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 7, 2016}}</ref> ''Twilight Princess HD''{{'}}s sales dropped 84% in its second week in the UK, making it the ninth-best-selling game in the country.<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|title=Twilight Princess HD Holds Top 10 Place in UK Charts|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/twilight_princess_hd_holds_top_10_place_in_uk_charts|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315195609/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/twilight_princess_hd_holds_top_10_place_in_uk_charts|archive-date=March 15, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 14, 2016}}</ref> In the United States, it was the third-best-selling game sold in brick-and-mortar retailers throughout March 2016, according to market-research firm ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|title=March 2016 NPD: Ubisoft, Nintendo shake up sales chart with The Division, Zelda|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/04/14/march-2016-npd-division-zelda/|website=]|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420072724/http://venturebeat.com/2016/04/14/march-2016-npd-division-zelda/|archive-date=April 20, 2016|url-status=live|date=April 14, 2016}}</ref> As of December 2022, the game has sold 1.17 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite book|title=2023CESAゲーム白書 (2023 CESA Games White Papers)|publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association|year=2023|isbn=978-4-902346-47-3}}</ref>


==Legacy==
'''Ordon Sword Only:'''The player only uses the Ordon Sword through the whole game. The only instance they may switch to the Master Sword is when they must use the Master Sword to open up pathways, or fighting Ganondorf.
An eleven-volume ], penned and illustrated by ], was first released in Japan on February 8, 2016, and ran until January 30, 2022. The series was made available via physical copies, online bookstores, and publisher ]'s MangaOne mobile application. While the manga adaptation began almost ten years after the initial release of the game on which it is based, it launched only a month before the release of the high-definition remake.<ref>{{cite web |first=Allegra |last=Frank |url= http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/3/10904992/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-manga-release-date |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is getting a manga, starting next week |work=] |publisher=] |date=February 3, 2016 |access-date=February 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216231346/http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/3/10904992/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-manga-release-date |archive-date=February 16, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> ] began releasing an English localization of the series in 2017<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Manga Is Coming to the West|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_manga_is_coming_to_the_west|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=August 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531113842/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_manga_is_coming_to_the_west|archive-date=May 31, 2016|url-status=live|date=May 29, 2016}}</ref> and was finished in March 2022.
{{end spoiler}}


To commemorate the launch of the ] loyalty program in March 2016, Nintendo released '']'', a ] ] developed by ] as a downloadable title for the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|title=Legend of Zelda Picross Revealed As "My Nintendo" Bonus - Report|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/legend-of-zelda-picross-revealed-as-my-nintendo-bo/1100-6435416/|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404231453/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/legend-of-zelda-picross-revealed-as-my-nintendo-bo/1100-6435416/|archive-date=April 4, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|url=https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/e0bd3a7355ae978b|website=]|access-date=April 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416143433/https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/e0bd3a7355ae978b|archive-date=April 16, 2016|url-status=live|date=2016}}</ref>
==Reception==
<div style="font-size: 90%;float:right;border-left:1em solid white">
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Reviews and awards'''
!colspan=3|Compilations of multiple reviews
|-
|<center>]
|colspan=2|<center>Wii: 94.9% (based on 60 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/928519.asp |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Reviews |publisher=Game Rankings |accessdate=2006-12-16}}</ref><br />
<center>GCN: 95.4% (based on 9 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/920769.asp |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Reviews |publisher=Game Rankings |accessdate=2006-12-16}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]
|colspan=2|<center>Wii: 95% (based on 57 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/legendofzeldatwilightprincess |title=Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, The (wii: 2006): Reviews |year=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=Metacritic.com}}</ref><br />
<center>GCN: 96% (based on 8 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/cube/legendofzelda?q=Twilight%20Princess |title=Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, The (cube: 2006): Reviews |year=2006 |accessdate=2007-01-02 |publisher=Metacritic.com}}</ref>
|-
!Publication <!-- Please note that reviews are arranged Alphabetically by publication. -->
!Response
!Comment
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>Wii: 10 of 10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149383 |title=Wii Review: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=2006-11-19 |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
|"The greatest Zelda game ever? Yes"
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>Wii: 38 of 40<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/6338/1/Famitsu_Reviews_Wii_Games |title=Famitsu Reviews Wii Games |last=Riley |first=Adam |date=2006-11-21 |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=C3}}</ref>
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>Wii: 5 of 5<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/reviews/87108.shtml |title=Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for Wii |publisher=Gamepro.com |author=Tenacious Moses |date=2006-11-20 |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
|"Undeniably an epic adventure"
|-
|<center>]
|<center>Wii: 8.8 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/events/wiilaunch/story.html?sid=6161993&pid=928519&tag=topslot;action;1&om_act=convert&click=topslot |title=Wii Launch Center - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |publisher=GameSpot |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=2006-11-17 |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
GCN: 8.9 out of 10<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/index.html?tag=topten;_title;1</ref>
|2006 Award for Best Wii Game<br />
2006 Award for Best GameCube Game
|-
|<center>]
|<center>Wii: 5 of 5<ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.wii.gamespy.com/wii/legend-of-zelda-wii/745573p1.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |last=Williams |first=Bryn |date=2006-11-13 |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=GameSpy}}</ref>
|Editor's Choice<br />2006 Game of the Year <br>(Console and Overall)
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>Wii: 10 of 10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E9CD9493-4C3A-4FB9-BF2E-7A1E9E157B9E.htm |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=Game Informer Online}}</ref>
|Game of the Year
|-
|<center>]
|<center>Both versions: 9.5 of 10<!-- Editor's Choice, Greatest Zelda game ever --><ref>{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746691p1.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |publisher=IGN |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |date=2006-11-17 |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/751/751266p1.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |publisher=IGN |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |date=2006-12-15 |accessdate=2006-12-16}}</ref>
|"Ocarina, your time is up"
Both versions: Editors Choice<br />
Best Wii Game of 2006<br />
Best Gamecube Game of 2006
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>Wii: 9.5 of 10
<center>GCN: 9.5 of 10
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>Wii: 10 of 10
|Platinum Award
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>Wii: 97%
|Gold Award
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>Wii: 5 out of 5
|Game of the Year
|}
</div>


Midna, in both her imp and Twili forms, Zant, and NPC character Agitha, all appeared as playable warriors in the ''Zelda'' crossover title '']'' and its various iterations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zelda.com/hyrule-warriors/|title=Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch™ home gaming system – Official Site|website=zelda.com|language=en|access-date=2020-04-02|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028144703/https://www.zelda.com/hyrule-warriors/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the release of ''Hyrule Warriors'', Agitha has been recognised as a "main character" of ''Twilight Princess''.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia|publisher=Dark Horse|year=2018|isbn=978-1-5067-0638-2|pages=275}}</ref>
The game has universally received positive reviews in printed and online media. The review from the US portal of ] claimed it was the greatest Zelda game ever created, beating '']'' (itself often featuring in lists of ]). Most reviews have praised its art direction.


==See also==
Notably, only one major reviewer has criticized some aspects of the game's design. Reviewing the Wii version, ] reviewers complained about the feeling of "tacked-on" Wii controls and out-dated graphics, a consequence of the game being designed primarily for the older GameCube platform.
* '']'', a 2007 shooting video game created for the ], using the world and assets of ''Twilight Princess''


==Notes==
At ], a web site that compiles game reviews and averages reviewers' scores, both versions of ''Twilight Princess'' have achieved an average of 94.9%, making the Wii version the 19th highest-reviewed game ever, as well as the highest ranked game of 2006. The GameCube version is currently unranked. The Wii version is currently the highest-ranked Wii game.
{{Reflist|25em|group=lower-alpha}}

At ], another review aggregate site, ''Twilight Princess'' has received an overall average of 95 out of 100, 4 points fewer than ''Ocarina of Time''.

The game received ]'s Critic's Choice ]<ref>{{cite web| title = Gamespot report of Spike TV VGA | url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html?tag=latestnews;title;0 | publisher = Gamespot}}</ref> and also won '']'' along with ''Best Action Adventure Game'' on ].

===Sales===
During its first week of sales, the Wii version of ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' sold 454,000 copies in United States,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/747/747728p1.html | title=Wii Sells Through 600k | first=Hilary | last=Goldstein | publisher=] | date=2006-11-27 | accessdate=2006-11-27}}</ref> 139,011 during its first two days in Japan,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=7301 | title=News - Japan: Wii software & hardware sales | first=Josh |last=Freund | date=2006-12-05 | accessdate=2006-12-05 | publisher=GamesAreFun}}</ref> and 240,000 during its first weekend across Europe.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mcvuk.com/Wii-sells-325000-across-Europe-in-opening-weekend | title=Wii sells 325,000 during Euro launch | first=Tim |last=Ingham | date=2006-12-13 | accessdate=2006-12-29 | publisher=MCV}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
* {{cite speech |first=Eiji |last=Aonuma |author-link=Eiji Aonuma |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Reflections in the Hourglass |date=March 2007 |event=] |via=''Nintendo World Report'' |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/specialArt.cfm?artid=13085 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420103351/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/13085/eiji-aonumas-gdc-2007-presentation |archive-date=April 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}
<div class="references-small">
* {{cite book |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess instruction booklet |url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.pdf |publisher=] |access-date=February 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831121250/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.pdf |archive-date=August 31, 2014 |url-status=dead |date=March 28, 2014}}
<references/>
* {{cite book|editor1-first=Scott|editor1-last=Pelland|title=Official Nintendo Power The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Player's Guide|publisher=]|date=November 19, 2006|isbn=1-59812-004-2}}
</div>
{{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{Nintendo.com|id=fce85fe2-688f-4276-a3c2-84e0f270ab8b|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}
* {{Official website|http://www.zelda.com/tp/}}
* at Metacritic.com
* at Gamerankings.com
*
*
*


{{Zelda}} {{Zelda}}
{{Zelda games}} {{Portal bar|Video games|Japan}}
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Latest revision as of 09:56, 22 December 2024

2006 video game

2006 video game
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The game's title is in the center-top. A line runs diagonally through the image; in one section, the series' main protagonist—Link's face is shown. In the other, there is the head of Link's wolf form.
Developer(s)Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Eiji Aonuma
Producer(s)Shigeru Miyamoto
Artist(s)
  • Yusuke Nakano
  • Satoru Takizawa
Writer(s)
  • Aya Kyogoku
  • Takayuki Ikkaku
  • Mitsuhiro Takano
  • Eiji Aonuma
Composer(s)
SeriesThe Legend of Zelda
Platform(s)
ReleaseWii
  • NA: November 19, 2006
  • JP: December 2, 2006
  • AU: December 7, 2006
  • EU: December 8, 2006
GameCube
  • JP: December 2, 2006
  • NA: December 11, 2006
  • EU: December 15, 2006
  • AU: December 19, 2006
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is a 2006 action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube and Wii. Originally planned for release exclusively on the GameCube in November 2005, Twilight Princess was delayed by Nintendo to allow its developers to refine the game, add more content, and port it to the Wii. The Wii version was a launch game in North America in November 2006, and in Japan, Europe, and Australia the following month. The GameCube version was released in December 2006 as the final first-party game for the console.

The story focuses on series protagonist Link, who tries to prevent Hyrule from being engulfed by a corrupted parallel dimension known as the Twilight Realm. To do so, he takes the form of both a Hylian and a wolf, and he is assisted by a mysterious imp named Midna. The game takes place over a century after Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, in an alternate timeline from The Wind Waker.

Twilight Princess was critically acclaimed upon its release, received numerous game of the year awards, and has been called one of the greatest video games ever made. By 2015, it had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling Zelda game until being overtaken by Breath of the Wild in April 2018. In 2011, the Wii version was rereleased under the Nintendo Selects label. A high-definition remaster based on the GameCube version, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, developed by Tantalus Media, was released for the Wii U in March 2016.

Gameplay

See also: The Legend of Zelda § Gameplay
A boy in a green tunic holds a shield while swinging his sword towards an enemy.
An arrow points at an enemy whom Link is targeting as he prepares to swing his sword (GameCube version).

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is an action-adventure game focused on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. It uses the basic control scheme introduced in Ocarina of Time, including context-sensitive action buttons and L-targeting (Z-targeting on the Wii), a system that allows the player to keep Link's view focused on an enemy or important object while moving and attacking. Link can walk, run, and attack, and he will automatically jump when running off of or reaching for a ledge. Link uses a sword and shield in combat, complemented with secondary weapons and items, including a bow and arrows, a boomerang, and bombs. While L-targeting, projectile-based weapons can be fired at a target without the need for manual aiming.

The context-sensitive button mechanic allows one button to serve a variety of functions, such as talking, opening doors, and pushing, pulling, and throwing objects. The on-screen display shows what action, if any, the button will trigger, determined by the situation. For example, if Link is holding a rock, the context-sensitive button will cause Link to throw the rock if he is moving or targeting an object or enemy or place the rock on the ground if he is standing still.

The GameCube and Wii versions feature several minor differences in their controls and gameplay. The Wii version of the game makes use of the motion sensors and built-in speaker of the Wii Remote. The speaker emits the sounds of a bowstring when shooting an arrow, Midna's laugh when she gives advice to Link, and the series' trademark "chime" when discovering secrets. The player controls Link's sword by swinging the Wii Remote. Other attacks are triggered using similar gestures with the Nunchuk. In the GameCube version, players can control the camera freely, without entering a special "lookaround" mode required on the Wii; however, in the GameCube version, only two of Link's secondary weapons can be equipped at a time, as opposed to four in the Wii version.

The game features nine dungeons—large, contained areas where Link battles enemies, collects items, and solves puzzles. Link navigates these dungeons and fights a boss at the end in order to obtain an item or otherwise advance the plot. The dungeons are connected by a large overworld, across which Link can travel on foot; on his horse, Epona; or by teleporting with Midna's assistance.

When Link enters the Twilight Realm, the void that corrupts parts of Hyrule, he transforms into a wolf. He is eventually able to transform between his Hylian and wolf forms at will. As a wolf, Link loses the ability to use his sword, shield, or any secondary items; he instead attacks by biting and defends primarily by dodging attacks. "Wolf Link" gains several key advantages in return—he moves faster than he does on foot as a human, digs holes to create new passages, and uncover buried items, and has improved senses, including the ability to follow scent trails. On his back, he also carries Midna, a small imp-like creature who gives him hints, uses an energy field to attack enemies, helps him jump long distances, and eventually allows him to "warp" to any of several preset locations throughout the overworld. Using Link's wolf senses, the player can see and listen to the wandering spirits of those affected by the Twilight, as well as hunt for enemy ghosts named Poes.

The artificial intelligence (AI) of enemies in Twilight Princess is more advanced than that of enemies in The Wind Waker. Enemies react to defeated companions and to arrows or slingshot pellets that pass by, and they can detect Link from a greater distance than was possible in previous games.

Plot

Further information: Fictional chronology of The Legend of Zelda

The game begins with a teenage boy named Link, who works as a ranch hand in Ordon Village. One day, Bulblins take away the village's children. Link pursues and encounters a wall of Twilight. A Twilight monster pulls him beyond the wall into the Twilight-shrouded forest, where he is transformed into a wolf and imprisoned. Link is soon freed by a creature named Midna, who offers to help him if he obeys her unconditionally. She guides him to Princess Zelda, who explains that Zant, the Sorcerer/Usurper King of the Twili, invaded Hyrule Castle and forced her to surrender. The kingdom became enveloped in Twilight, turning all its inhabitants besides Link and Zelda into invisible spirits. To save Hyrule, Link, aided by Midna, must first revive the Light Spirits by entering the Twilight-covered regions and recovering the Spirits' light from the Twilight beings that had stolen it. Once revitalized, each Spirit returns Link to his Hylian form and informs Link and Midna of the hidden location of a Fused Shadow; one of the fragments of a powerful relic that will have to be used to match Zant's power to defeat him. During this time, the ghost of a departed swordsman (the same incarnation of Link from Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask), the Hero's Shade, also appears to provide swordsmanship training he had failed to pass on before his untimely death, as well as information regarding Link's destiny in Hyrule.

During his journey, Link also finds Ordon Village's children and assists the monkeys of Faron, the Gorons of Eldin, and the Zoras of Lanayru. After restoring the Light Spirits and obtaining the Fused Shadows, Link and Midna are ambushed by Zant, who takes away the fragments. Midna calls him out for abusing his tribe's magic, but Zant reveals that his power comes from another source, and he uses it to trap Link in his wolf state. Failing to persuade Midna into joining forces with him, Zant attempts to dispose of her by exposing her to the light of Lanayru's light spirit. Bringing a dying Midna to Zelda, Link learns from her that he needs the Master Sword to remove Zant's curse and she proceeds to sacrifice herself to heal Midna, vanishing mysteriously. Moved by Zelda's act of selflessness, Midna starts to care more about Link and the fate of his world.

After gaining the Master Sword, Link is cleansed of the curse that kept him in wolf form. Deep within the Gerudo Desert, Link and Midna search for the Mirror of Twilight, the only known gateway between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm, but discover that it is broken. The Sages there explain that Zant tried to destroy it, but only managed to shatter it into fragments; only the true ruler of the Twili can completely destroy the mirror. They also relate that they once used it to banish Ganondorf, the Gerudo leader who attempted to steal the Triforce, to the Twilight Realm after failing to execute him. Link and Midna set out to retrieve the missing shards of the mirror. Once it has been fully restored, the Sages reveal to Link that Midna is actually the true ruler of the Twili, usurped and cursed into her current form by Zant. Confronting Zant, Link and Midna learn that he forged a pact with Ganondorf, who asked for his assistance in subjugating Hyrule. After Link defeats Zant, Midna recovers the Fused Shadows and kills Zant after learning that only Ganondorf's defeat can release her from her curse.

Returning to Hyrule, Link and Midna find Ganondorf in Hyrule Castle, with a lifeless Zelda suspended above him. Ganondorf fights Link by possessing Zelda and then transforming into a gigantic boar-like beast, but Link defeats him by using his wolf form, and the power Midna received from Zelda is able to resuscitate her. Ganondorf revives, and Midna teleports Link and Zelda outside the castle so she can hold him off with the Fused Shadows. However, as Hyrule Castle collapses, Ganondorf emerges from it victorious, crushing the Fused Shadow piece that Midna wore on her head, and pursues Link on horseback. Assisted by Zelda and the Light Spirits, Link eventually knocks Ganondorf off his horse and duels him on foot before finishing him off with the Master Sword. With Ganondorf dead, the Light Spirits revive Midna and restore her to her true form. After bidding farewell to Link and Zelda, Midna returns home and destroys the Mirror of Twilight, ultimately severing the link between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm. As Hyrule Castle is rebuilt, Link leaves Ordon Village, heading to parts unknown.

Development

Inception as a GameCube game

A photo of a bespectacled Eiji Aonuma near a microphone
Eiji Aonuma, the director of Twilight Princess, at the 2007 Game Developers Conference

In 2003, Nintendo announced a new The Legend of Zelda game for the GameCube by the same team that had created the cel-shaded The Wind Waker. At the following year's Game Developers Conference, director Eiji Aonuma unintentionally revealed that the game's sequel was in development under the working title The Wind Waker 2; it was set to use a similar graphical style to that of its predecessor. Nintendo of America told Aonuma that North American sales of The Wind Waker were sluggish because its cartoon appearance created the impression that the game was designed for a young audience. Concerned that the sequel would have the same problem, Aonuma expressed to producer Shigeru Miyamoto that he wanted to create a realistic Zelda game that would appeal to the North American market and meet Miyamoto's original vision of realism for the series. Miyamoto, hesitant about solely changing the game's presentation, suggested the team's focus should instead be on coming up with gameplay innovations. He advised that Aonuma should start by doing what could not be done in Ocarina of Time, particularly horseback combat. Early development of what would become Twilight Princess began and special care was taken to improve the realism of the horseriding, with lead character designer Keisuke Nishimori riding a horse for himself to feel what it was like.

Just as the original Legend of Zelda game was inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings novels, the aesthetic of Twilight Princess was inspired by the Lord of the Rings films, as they had just come out and were very popular at the time. The game was developed with having a large convincing world in mind, one with a vast scale to meet the expectation for fantasy worlds that audiences had become accustomed to with The Lord of the Rings.

In four months, Aonuma's team managed to present realistic horseback riding, which Nintendo later revealed to the public with a trailer at E3 2004 that was met with enormous praise. The game was scheduled to be released the next year and was no longer a follow-up to The Wind Waker; a true sequel to it was released for the Nintendo DS in 2007, in the form of Phantom Hourglass. Miyamoto explained in interviews that the graphical style was chosen to satisfy demand and that it better fit the theme of an older incarnation of Link. The game runs on a modified The Wind Waker engine.

Prior Zelda games have employed a theme of two separate, yet connected, worlds. In A Link to the Past, Link travels between a "Light World" and a "Dark World"; in Ocarina of Time, as well as in Oracle of Ages, Link travels between two different time periods. The Zelda team sought to reuse this motif in the series' latest installment. It was suggested that Link transform into a wolf, much like he metamorphoses into a rabbit in the Dark World of A Link to the Past. The concept for Link to transform into a wolf and its surrounding narrative elements came from a dream that Aonuma had while overseas on a business trip. He dreamt that he was a wolf, locked inside a cage, and, after he woke up, he was confused and disoriented and it took awhile for him to remember where he was. The story of the game was created by Aonuma, and it later underwent several changes by scenario writers Mitsuhiro Takano and Aya Kyogoku. Takano created the script for the story scenes, while Kyogoku and Takayuki Ikkaku handled the actual in-game script. Originally, Link was planned to be a wolf from the game's start to bluntly contrast the Ocarina of Time formula, but this was changed so that new players could be eased into the Zelda series' traditional gameplay and narrative formula. The narrative premise in the story regarding the children of Ordon village getting kidnapped was an example of the game featuring darker story elements than any past iteration.

From a gameplay perspective, the Twilight Realm portions of the game were vaguely inspired by the fact that prior Zelda games had always distinctively separated dungeons from the overworld. The team wondered what the result would be if a traditional Zelda dungeon was placed inside the open world instead. This resulted in the hunt for Tears of Light the player partakes in when in the Twilight-covered world. The atmosphere of the Twilight-covered Hyrule, as well as the Twilight Realm dungeon later in the game, were intended to make players feel uncomfortable. Special care was taken, however, to ensure that this was balanced right, so that it did not make the player so uncomfortable that they did not want to progress further or could not enjoy the experience.

Aonuma left his team working on the new idea while he produced The Minish Cap for the Game Boy Advance. When he returned, he found the Twilight Princess team struggling. Emphasis on the parallel worlds and the wolf transformation had made Link's character unbelievable. Aonuma also felt the gameplay lacked the caliber of innovation found in Phantom Hourglass, which was being developed with touch controls for the Nintendo DS. At the same time, the Wii was under development with the code name "Revolution". Miyamoto thought that the Revolution's pointing device, the Wii Remote, was well suited for aiming arrows in Zelda, and he suggested that Aonuma consider using it.

Transition to the Wii

Aonuma had anticipated creating a Zelda game for what would later become the Wii, but had assumed that he would need to complete Twilight Princess first. His team began work developing a pointing-based interface for the bow and arrow, and Aonuma found that aiming directly at the screen gave the game a new feel, just like the DS control scheme for Phantom Hourglass. Aonuma felt confident this was the only way to proceed, but worried about consumers who had been anticipating a GameCube release. Developing two versions would mean delaying the previously announced 2005 release, still disappointing the consumer. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata felt that having both versions would satisfy users in the end, even though they would have to wait for the finished product. Aonuma then started working on both versions in parallel.

Transferring GameCube development to the Wii was relatively simple, since the Wii was being created to be compatible with GameCube software. At E3 2005, Nintendo released a small number of Nintendo DS game cards containing a preview trailer for Twilight Princess. They also announced that a Zelda title would appear on the Wii (then codenamed "Revolution"), but were not clear to the media if this meant Twilight Princess or a different game.

The team worked on a Wii control scheme, adapting camera control and the fighting mechanics to the new interface. A prototype was created that used a swinging gesture to control the sword from a first-person viewpoint but was unable to show the variety of Link's movements. When the third-person view was restored, Aonuma thought it felt strange to swing the Wii Remote with the right hand to control the sword in Link's left hand, so the entire world map was mirrored for the Wii version. Details about Wii controls began to surface in December 2005 when British publication NGC Magazine claimed that when a GameCube copy of Twilight Princess was played on the Revolution, it would give the player the option of using the Revolution controller. Miyamoto confirmed the Revolution controller-functionality in an interview with Nintendo of Europe and Time reported this soon after. However, support for the Wii controller did not make it into the GameCube release. At E3 2006, Nintendo confirmed that both versions would be available at the Wii launch, and had a playable version of Twilight Princess for the Wii. Later, the GameCube release was pushed back to a month after the launch of the Wii.

Nintendo staff members reported that demo users complained about the difficulty of the control scheme. Aonuma realized that his team had implemented Wii controls under the mindset of "forcing" users to adapt, instead of making the system intuitive and easy to use. He began rethinking the controls with Miyamoto to focus on comfort and ease. The camera movement was reworked and item controls were changed to avoid accidental button presses. In addition, the new item system required use of the button that had previously been used for the sword. To solve this, sword controls were transferred back to gestures—something E3 attendees had commented they would like to see. This reintroduced the problem of using a right-handed swing to control a left-handed sword attack. The team did not have enough time before release to rework Link's character model, so they instead flipped the entire game—everything was made a mirror image. Link was now right-handed, and references to "east" and "west" were reversed. The GameCube version, however, was left with the original orientation. The Twilight Princess player's guide focuses on the Wii version, but has a section in the back with mirror-image maps for GameCube users.

Music and sound

The game's score was composed by Toru Minegishi and Asuka Ohta, with series regular Koji Kondo serving as the sound supervisor. Minegishi took charge of composition and sound design in Twilight Princess, providing all field and dungeon music. For the trailers, three pieces were written by different composers, two of which were created by Mahito Yokota and Kondo. Michiru Ōshima created orchestral arrangements for the three compositions, later to be performed by an ensemble conducted by Taizo Takemoto. Kondo's piece was chosen as music for the E3 2005 trailer and for the demo movie after the title screen. Midna has the most voice acting—her on-screen dialogue is often accompanied by a babble of pseudo-speech, which was produced by scrambling English phrases sampled by Japanese voice actress Akiko Kōmoto.

Media requests at the trade show prompted Kondo to consider using orchestral music for the other tracks in the game as well, a notion reinforced by his preference for live instruments. He originally envisioned a full 50-person orchestra for action sequences and a string quartet for more "lyrical moments", though the final product used sequenced music instead. Kondo later cited the lack of interactivity that comes with orchestral music as one of the main reasons for the decision. Both six- and seven-track versions of the game's soundtrack were released on November 19, 2006, as part of a Nintendo Power promotion and bundled with replicas of the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield.

Technical vulnerability

Following the discovery of a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Wii version of Twilight Princess, an exploit known as the "Twilight Hack" was developed, allowing the execution of custom code from a Secure Digital (SD) card on the console. A specifically designed save file would cause the game to load unsigned code, which could include Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) programs and homebrew Wii applications. Versions 3.3 and 3.4 of the Wii Menu prevented copying exploited save files onto the console until circumvention methods were discovered, and version 4.0 of the Wii Menu patched the vulnerability.

Wii U version

2016 video game
The Legend of Zelda:
Twilight Princess HD
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Tomomi Sano
Producer(s)Eiji Aonuma
Programmer(s)Sean O'Sullivan
Artist(s)Paul Court
Composer(s)
Platform(s)Wii U
Release
  • NA/EU: March 4, 2016
  • AU: March 5, 2016
  • JP: March 10, 2016
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

A high-definition remaster of the game, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, was developed by Tantalus Media for the Wii U. Announced during a Nintendo Direct presentation on November 13, 2015, it features enhanced graphics and Amiibo functionality. The game was released worldwide in March 2016.

The idea for a high-definition version of Twilight Princess first originated during the production of Breath of the Wild. Nintendo experimented with an HD version of Twilight Princess running on Wii U development kits when trying to settle on a graphical style for the new game. This ultimately led to the production of The Wind Waker HD, whose success encouraged the Zelda team to pursue other high-definition remasters. After its release, which was developed internally at Nintendo in only six months, the Zelda team settled on an HD remaster of Twilight Princess. At the time, most of the Zelda team was preoccupied with Breath of the Wild, so Nintendo sought a partnership with an external development studio, the Australia-based Tantalus Media, to work on Twilight Princess HD.

According to Eiji Aonuma, who directed the original release and produced Twilight Princess HD, ensuring the remaster would take advantage of the Wii U GamePad was a point of focus early in the title's development. The control scheme used in the GameCube version was adapted for the remaster due to similarities between the button layouts of the two consoles' controllers. Aonuma considered underwater gameplay in the remaster to be significantly improved. Other enhancements include speeding up a handful of cutscenes that seemed overly long by modern standards and reducing repetitive gameplay elements, such as collecting Tears of Light while in the Twilight Realm. A commitment to "preserving the feel of the original" inspired several design decisions, such as keeping the frame rate at 30 frames per second. Tomomi Sano, the assistant director of the Wii U version, noted the degree of refinement the graphics would receive required much consideration: "When we created more precise models of objects to go with the higher resolution, we found that everything was too clear and we lost that soft and delicate atmosphere that you get in particular at twilight or with the light in a forest".

Certain bundles of the game contain a Wolf Link Amiibo figurine, which unlocks a Wii U-exclusive dungeon called the "Cave of Shadows" and can carry data over to Breath of the Wild. In the Cave of Shadows, Link fights waves of enemies while restricted to his wolf form. Comparable to the optional "Cave of Ordeals" present in the original release, opportunities to recover health during the trial are sparse. Other Zelda-related Amiibo figurines have distinct functions: Link and Toon Link replenish arrows, Zelda and Sheik restore Link's health, and Ganondorf causes Link to take twice as much damage. A CD containing 20 musical selections from the game was available as a GameStop preorder bonus in North America; it is included with the limited-edition bundle in other regions. A three-disc original soundtrack consisting of 108 pieces from the game was released in Japan in July 2016.

Reception

Reviews

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
GCWiiWii U
Metacritic96/10095/10086/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
GCWiiWii U
1Up.comA+A+
AllGame
Computer Games Magazine8.5/10
Computer and Video Games10/10
Destructoid8/10
Edge9/10
Electronic Gaming Monthly30/30
Famitsu38/40
GamePro
GameRevolution
GameSpot8.9/108.8/109/10
GameSpy
GamesRadar+
IGN9.5/109.5/108.6/10
Nintendo Life
Nintendo Power9.5/109.5/10
Nintendo World Report10/109/10
Official Nintendo Magazine97%
Polygon8/10
Shacknews7/10
USgamer4/5
VentureBeat90/100
X-Play
Awards
PublicationAward
GameTrailersGame of the Year (2006)
1UP.comGame of the Year (2006)
Electronic Gaming MonthlyGame of the Year (2006)
Game InformerGame of the Year (2006)
GamesRadarGame of the Year (2006)
GameSpyGame of the Year (2006)
Spacey AwardsGame of the Year (2006)
X-PlayGame of the Year (2006)
Nintendo PowerGame of the Year (2006)
Golden Joystick AwardNintendo Game of the Year (2016)

Twilight Princess was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. It received perfect scores from major publications such as 1UP.com, Computer and Video Games, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Game Informer, GamesRadar and GameSpy. On the review aggregator Metacritic, Twilight Princess holds scores of 95/100 for the Wii version and 96/100 for the GameCube version, indicating "universal acclaim". It is the highest-rated game of 2006 on Metacritic. GameTrailers in their review called it one of the greatest games ever created.

On release, Twilight Princess was considered to be the greatest Zelda game ever made by many critics including writers for 1UP.com, Computer and Video Games, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Game Informer, GamesRadar, IGN and The Washington Post. Game Informer called it "so creative that it rivals the best that Hollywood has to offer". GamesRadar praised Twilight Princess as "a game that deserves nothing but the absolute highest recommendation". Cubed3 hailed Twilight Princess as "the single greatest videogame experience". Twilight Princess' graphics were praised for the art style and animation, although the game was designed for the GameCube, which is technically lacking compared to the next generation consoles. Both IGN and GameSpy pointed out the existence of blurry textures and low-resolution characters. Despite these complaints, Computer and Video Games felt the game's atmosphere was superior to that of any previous Zelda game and regarded Twilight Princess' Hyrule as the best version ever created. PALGN praised the game's cinematics, noting that "the cutscenes are the best ever in Zelda games". Regarding the Wii version, GameSpot's Jeff Gerstmann said the Wii controls felt "tacked-on", although 1UP.com said the remote-swinging sword attacks were "the most impressive in the entire series". Gaming Nexus considered Twilight Princess' soundtrack to be the best of this generation, though IGN criticized its MIDI-formatted songs for lacking "the punch and crispness" of their orchestrated counterparts.

Wii U version

Twilight Princess HD holds a score of 86/100 at the review aggregator Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable" reviews. The title received the Nintendo Game of the Year award at the Golden Joystick Awards in November 2016.

Awards

Twilight Princess received the awards for Best Artistic Design, Best Original Score, and Best Use of Sound from IGN for its GameCube version. Both IGN and Nintendo Power gave Twilight Princess the awards for Best Graphics and Best Story. Twilight Princess received Game of the Year awards from GameTrailers, 1UP.com, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Game Informer, GamesRadar, GameSpy, Spacey Awards, X-Play and Nintendo Power. It was also given awards for Best Adventure Game from the Game Critics Awards, X-Play, IGN, GameTrailers, 1UP.com, and Nintendo Power. The game was considered the Best Console Game by the Game Critics Awards and GameSpy. During the 10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, Twilight Princess was awarded with "Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development" by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, while also receiving nominations for "Overall Game of the Year", "Console Game of the Year", "Action/Adventure Game of the Year", "Outstanding Achievement in Game Design", and "Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering". The game placed 16th in Official Nintendo Magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Nintendo Games of All Time. IGN ranked the game as the 4th-best Wii game. Nintendo Power ranked the game as the third-best game to be released on a Nintendo system in the 2000s decade.

Sales

In North America, the game was sold with three of every four Wii purchases during its first week. The Wii version sold 412,000 copies in the United States during November 2006, representing 87% of Wii launch sales that month, the highest attach rate for a launch game since Super Mario 64 launched with the Nintendo 64 in 1996. It went on to become America's fifth-best-selling game of 2006 with 1.5 million copies sold for the Wii and GameCube in the US that year. In the United Kingdom, the Wii version received a Platinum sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA), indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies in the UK.

The game had sold 5.82 million copies on the Wii as of March 2011, and 1.32 million on the GameCube as of March 2007. As of September 2015, the game had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide across both platforms, making it the best-selling single title in the series until it was surpassed by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in April 2018.

Wii U version

The remaster sold 52,282 copies during its first week of release in Japan, which placed it at second place in the video-game sales charts. The following week, it came in at number 9 on the charts, selling an additional 7,705 copies. By comparison, 30,264 copies of The Wind Waker HD were sold in its first week in Japan. In the first week of Twilight Princess HD's United Kingdom release, the remaster was the second-best-selling game and the best-selling game released for a single platform in the country. Twilight Princess HD's sales dropped 84% in its second week in the UK, making it the ninth-best-selling game in the country. In the United States, it was the third-best-selling game sold in brick-and-mortar retailers throughout March 2016, according to market-research firm The NPD Group. As of December 2022, the game has sold 1.17 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

An eleven-volume manga series based on Twilight Princess, penned and illustrated by Akira Himekawa, was first released in Japan on February 8, 2016, and ran until January 30, 2022. The series was made available via physical copies, online bookstores, and publisher Shogakukan's MangaOne mobile application. While the manga adaptation began almost ten years after the initial release of the game on which it is based, it launched only a month before the release of the high-definition remake. Viz Media began releasing an English localization of the series in 2017 and was finished in March 2022.

To commemorate the launch of the My Nintendo loyalty program in March 2016, Nintendo released My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, a Picross puzzle game developed by Jupiter as a downloadable title for the Nintendo 3DS.

Midna, in both her imp and Twili forms, Zant, and NPC character Agitha, all appeared as playable warriors in the Zelda crossover title Hyrule Warriors and its various iterations. Since the release of Hyrule Warriors, Agitha has been recognised as a "main character" of Twilight Princess.

See also

Notes

  1. Nvidia Lightspeed Studios developed the Nvidia Shield version.
  2. Japanese: ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス, Hepburn: Zeruda no Densetsu: Towairaito Purinsesu
  3. Aonuma 2007, Eiji Aonuma's GDC 2007 Presentation
  4. ^ Pelland 2006, p. 20
  5. Pelland 2006, pp. 22–23
  6. Pelland 2006, p. 22
  7. Pelland 2006, p. 12
  8. Pelland 2006, p. 168
  9. Pelland 2006, p. 35
  10. Pelland 2006, pp. 17–20
  11. Pelland 2006, p. 21
  12. Pelland 2006, p. 153
  13. ^ Aonuma 2007, The fate of Wind Waker 2
  14. Aonuma 2007, A lupine direction and Minish Cap
  15. Aonuma 2007, E3 2005 and 120% Zelda
  16. ^ Aonuma 2007, A Revolutionary idea
  17. ^ Aonuma 2007, The first attempt at Wii control
  18. Aonuma 2007, E3 2006 lesson
  19. Aonuma 2007, Camera and item controls
  20. Aonuma 2007, Sword controls
  21. Pelland 2006, pp. 170–191
  22. Based on 16 reviews
  23. Based on 73 reviews
  24. Based on 74 reviews

References

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